Although many parents encourage their children to brush their teeth frequently, flossing often gets overlooked. Unfortunately, brushing alone doesn’t keep plaque and bacteria from building up between teeth. If left on teeth, plaque hardens into tartar, which increases the odds of developing problems like tooth decay or gum disease. For optimal oral health, your kids need to make flossing once a day part of their routine.
The following tips will help you communicate an effective message to your kids:
Make it fun
If you create a positive environment, your kids will look forward to flossing instead of dreading it. Let them pick out cool colors or good smelling floss so that they feel excited about the experience. Do an online search for puzzles and games that you can print out for your kids; these resources will reinforce the importance of home hygiene.
Practice makes perfect
Build flossing into your nightly rituals. Use this opportunity for one-on-one bonding, and your children will be excited to get started because of the quality time with you.
Offer your help
With kids under eight, you will need to do most of the work. As you floss your child’s teeth, explain what you are doing and why it matters so that they will know how to take over at the right age.
Lead by example
The best way to teach your kids about the importance of flossing is to have them see you making the time for your dental health. When they see that flossing is part of your to-do list, they will follow suit.
