There are a number of different ways to floss teeth. Flossing is an important step in dental care. It is important to teach children about brushing, flossing and rinsing their teeth. However, some children have a challenge when it comes to flossing their teeth. There are three major ways to floss teeth. Depending on your child’s age and dexterity, different methods will be better for your child. Smile Reef will share the different flossing methods as well as their own set of pros and cons.
Flossing By Hand
Flossing by hand is when you use the string floss that you wrap around your fingers and begin threading the floss in between each tooth. For younger children, flossing by hand is one of the more difficult methods of flossing. Manipulating their hands and the string of floss can take time and practice for littler children. Even adults helping to floss your children’s teeth can make for a more difficult time. However, as a child is able to develop the hand skill to floss their own teeth, flossing by-hand is one of the more effective flossing methods. Additionally, floss string is much more affordable and economic than the other flossing methods.
Flossing Sticks or Picks
Another popular flossing method is a flossing stick or pick. A flossing stick has a curved piece of plastic with a string running through the middle. Many younger children tend to have an easier time flossing when using these flossing sticks or picks. They can easily move the floss stick around their teeth which ensures the child flosses between each tooth. However, even if the child can successfully floss between each tooth, floss picks or sticks don’t remove as much plaque and food particles as flossing by hand. Additionally, floss sticks tend to cost more and introduces more plastic into the environment. It is recommended that you allow a child under the age of 8 to use flossing sticks and then eventually get them flossing by hand.
Water Picks
There are newer devices that use a pressurized water stream to clean between each tooth. Water picks are designed to remove large food particles and reach those hard to reach areas that floss can’t easily reach. Water picks here first designed for children with wiring and braces. Water picks are also ideal for those with crowns and bridges. Water picks can help children floss that have brackets, braces and wires. Water floss can be an effective method of flossing as long as the child takes their time and makes sure to be thorough. If you have a child that tends to rush through flossing, water picks may not be the best method. For children with super compact teeth, sometimes the water pick doesn’t remove all of the plaque and bacteria. Use a physical floss string or pick for children with compacted teeth.
Pediatric Dentistry
It is important to find the right method to help your child floss. Most cavities occur in between the teeth due to poor flossing. For quality pediatric dentistry services, make an appointment at Smile Reef today.
