Children Flossing

                                                                        

Dental flossing is important for young children.  Flossing once a day may begin as soon as two teeth emerge that touch. "The use of floss sticks instead of string floss may be easier for both the child and parent/child care provider," suggests Dr. Anna Lee.

Step by Step to show proper flossing techniques:

·      Break off about 18 inches of floss, and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.

·      Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the other hand. 

·      Hold the floss tightly between your two hands, with about an inch of floss between them.  Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion.

·      When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against the tooth.  Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance.

·      Hold the floss against the tooth.  Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum.

Repeat this technique on all of your teeth, including the teeth in back.