Oral Hygiene Basics: Recommended Flossing Techniques

Flossing is an oral hygiene basic that everyone should know. Just like adults, dentists recommend children floss at least once daily to keep their teeth healthy. A pediatric dentist can help parents teach their kids proper flossing.

However, if it has been a while since you learned how to floss, it may help to have a refresher course so you can help your child learn. Here is a breakdown of recommended flossing techniques.

How to floss

While brushing is also part of oral hygiene basics, brushing alone does not eliminate all bacteria and leftover food particles. The spaces between teeth are too tight for the bristles to fit, so children can end up missing the smallest pieces. These food particles become plaque, a thin film of residue on the teeth containing bacteria. This bacteria can cause tooth decay and other painful dental problems.

Flossing helps kids get at the food and plaque between teeth. However, to be effective, kids need to floss correctly, as detailed below.

1. Use the right length

Parents may need to help their kids choose the right length. The ideal floss length is between 18 and 24 inches. Using less may not allow enough to floss between each tooth. Using more will leave unused floss left over, which is wasteful.

2. Hold the floss correctly

In addition, parents can model how to hold the floss correctly. First, proper flossing only requires one to two inches of floss, so wind the ends around the fingers and pull taut for maximum control. Use a new section of thread for each space, rewrapping the fingers along the way.

3. Floss between teeth

The most effective flossing technique is to move the thread in a "c" shape against the sides of the teeth. This movement follows the natural curve of the tooth, ensuring one does not miss any spots. A pediatric dentist may recommend that parents floss with their children to demonstrate this technique.

4. Be gentle around the gums

Because floss thread is so thin, it can accidentally slip between the gums and teeth. However, this can hurt a child's gums. To prevent this issue, teach children to be gentle when flossing near the base of each tooth.

5. Be methodical

It is important to teach children how to be methodical when flossing. For example, the best way to get every tooth is to start with the molars and work across each line of teeth. When finished with one space, there may be food or plaque on the floss. Wipe this on a tissue before continuing to avoid spreading bacteria.