Should My Child Be Flossing Already?

Look, we get it. You’re already brushing your toddler’s teeth every night, which is great, but then someone mentions flossing, and you’re thinking, seriously? My kid is two. This seems a bit much. But here’s what we tell parents: if your child’s teeth are touching each other, you should probably be flossing. We know that’s not the answer anyone wants to hear, but stick with me here.

This honestly isn’t something most parents ask about at a first visit. But we bring it once all the teeth are in, because it matters. At Silicon Beach Pediatric Dental, Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin have this conversation with parents all the time, who look at them like they’ve just suggested something completely insane. The thing is, there are good reasons to start flossing your kid’s teeth early, and only one of them has to do with cavities.

Flossing Prevents Cavities 

So yeah, the first reason is pretty straightforward. Flossing prevents cavities between teeth. We call these “flossing cavities,” and that’s exactly what they are. Your toothbrush does a good job on the fronts and backs and tops of teeth, but it can’t get between them. When teeth touch, food and plaque get stuck in between. Leave it there long enough, and cavities can form. 

What if your kid doesn’t have all their teeth yet? Or maybe their teeth aren’t touching? That brings us to the second reason we recommend flossing, which is equally as important.

Good Habits Make For Healthier Teeth 

You’re building a routine. If you can get flossing worked into your nightly routine when your kid is little, they’ll get used to it and expect it nightly. It’s just what happens after brushing. Dr. Ray will tell you from personal experience, his kids are older now, and they’re excellent flossers. Why? Because he flossed their teeth every single day when they were little. It became automatic. They don’t even think about it; they just do it. That’s the goal here.

So, When Do You Actually Start?

Most kids get teeth that touch somewhere between ages two and three. Some take longer. Once you see those teeth fitting close together, that’s when you add flossing to your bedtime routine. Don’t wait for a cavity to show up first. Your kid isn’t going to be able to floss on their own until they are older, probably not until around age 8. That means you’re doing it. 

The key is just being consistent. Start when they’re young, and it becomes part of what you do. Brush, floss, story, bed. When it’s always been part of the routine, kids don’t question it.

What If They Fight You On It?

Some kids are not going to be a fan of flossing, no matter what. They don’t like things in their mouth, they’re tired, they feel that the floss on the gums and it “hurts”.  Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley hear this constantly. The advice is pretty simple: practice in an easy to reach area. Do it gently. Get your child used to the feeling of flossing in an area that is easy for you. Then slowly work your way to the most important teeth to floss, the back ones. Yes these are harder for everyone, but you’ve got this. Floss picks can help because they’re easier to handle in a small mouth. Some come in fun colors or shapes. Whatever works is the right tool.

Their gums might bleed a little at first, especially if you’ve never flossed before. That’s normal and should stop after a few days. If it doesn’t, mention it at your next dental visit, but a little bleeding in the beginning is really common.

How Long Does It Take? 

Think about what you’re doing here. A kid who flosses every night without thinking about it is going to have way healthier teeth and gums their whole life. They won’t be teenagers with cavities between every tooth because they never learned to floss. They won’t be the adult who dreads dental cleanings because their gums are a mess and they know they’ve been skipping this step for years. You’re giving them a habit that’ll serve them forever. Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley see the proof of this every single day at his practice. The kids whose parents started early and stayed consistent have fewer problems as they get older.

Yeah, adding one more thing to the bedtime routine might feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling so much. But flossing takes maybe an extra minute or two. Once it’s part of what you do, it just becomes background. And honestly? That minute is worth it.

Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk at Silicon Beach Pediatric Dental

Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin talk with parents about this stuff at every visit, and flossing questions come up more than you’d think. Whether you’re not sure when to start, how to actually do it in a squirmy toddler’s mouth, or what to do when your kid refuses, we’ve heard it all, and we’re happy to help you figure out what works for your family.

If you want to talk through your specific situation or get your child in for a visit, reach out to us here, and we’ll find a time that works for you.