Posted on 8/1/2024 by Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
Flossing is an essential skill people need to acquire in order to remain healthy for a lifetime. When you floss each day, you know it is one of the best ways we have to prevent both gum disease and tooth decay. Teaching children how to floss sounds easy, but not all children get the hang of it quickly.
Let Them Watch You
One of the best ways children learn how to do daily care activities is to let them watch you. Parents often let children watch them clean their faces or tidy up their rooms. You can take some time and let your children watch you floss. If they are old enough, you can explain to your child what you're doing.
Try Flossers Rather Than String Floss
Flossing with traditional string floss can be difficult for children and adults as well. Instead of trying to teach a child to floss with string, try teaching your child to floss using handheld flossers. Handheld flossers are easier for a child to use. In fact, several companies make flossers made especially for children's hands. Children's flossers come in bright colors and even in animal shapes.
Why Not Reward Them?
Small children love rewards, so why not reward them for flossing? There are lots of ways you can ensure your child flosses each day. You can put stickers on a reward chart, and allow your child to pick a prize. Some children love to drop marbles or coins in a jar in order to get a reward once the jar is full. The prizes you give your child don't have to be expensive. You can pick up lots of prizes at a dollar store, for example. No matter how you want to reward your child, the key is consistency. Before you know it, your child will be flossing regularly without a reward.
Blog - Wichita, KS • Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy created this informative blog to assist with educating the community about various topics of pediatric dentistry. Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, 3933 N. Maize Road, Suite 200 Wichita, KS 67101; (316) 202-9629; tinyteethwichita.com; 12/6/2024; Key Phrases: Pediatric Dentist Wichita KS;