According to a survey released this week by the Australian Dental Association, approximately three-quarters of children have never flossed or cleaned between their teeth with help from an adult. Many parents believe that since baby teeth will eventually fall out, flossing is unnecessary.
But the opposite is true. Getting children to brush their teeth daily is already challenging, let alone develop a flossing habit.
However, flossing plays an important role—it removes food particles and biofilm from hard-to-reach spaces between teeth, effectively preventing cavities and gum disease.
Experts advise that flossing should begin as soon as a child’s teeth begin to touch. This typically occurs between six and eight months of age, when the lower front teeth emerge.
Many parents may question: “These are just baby teeth that will eventually fall out, so why bother with all the effort?”
The answer is yes. Baby teeth play an important role in a child’s jaw development and facial appearance. Dental decay caused by improper cleaning can lead to premature loss of primary teeth, which not only affects pronunciation and appearance, but can also undermine a child’s self-esteem and negatively impact their future health.
Furthermore, primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent teeth. If primary teeth are lost prematurely, permanent teeth may grow crooked, increasing the risk of crowding and misalignment, and even requiring orthodontic treatment. Data show that the risk of this type of malocclusion increases by more than 2.5 times.
For adolescents, cleaning between teeth is even more important. Gingivitis is common during this period due to hormonal changes, and flossing can help reduce the risk.
Of course, getting children to floss regularly can be challenging. Early morning rushes to school, stressful commutes, or tired evenings can make flossing difficult. Furthermore, cleaning between children’s teeth requires a certain level of manual dexterity.
If children or parents have had unpleasant dental experiences, they may develop dental anxiety, which can undermine their motivation for regular oral hygiene.
Despite the challenges, the following methods can help children establish a flossing habit:
Have the right tools: Interdental brushes (which look like small bottle brushes) are most effective for larger spaces between teeth; dental floss and floss picks are suitable for smaller spaces. Children’s floss products with colorful designs, fun designs, or fruit or chocolate flavors can increase children’s interest in flossing.
Involve children in the choice: Letting them choose the floss or floss picks themselves will increase their involvement and motivation.
Introduce water flossing: Water flossers use a spray of water to clean between teeth, making them a friendly and effective alternative for children who dislike traditional flossing.
Use rewards: For young children, positive incentives like stickers and stars can encourage consistent flossing.
Developing good oral hygiene habits is a process. Using tools and creativity to make flossing fun and doable is a shared goal for both parents and children. The earlier this habit is established, the better it will be for children’s long-term dental health.