Do Kids Really Need to Floss?

You have enough trouble getting your child to brush his or her teeth, do you really need to make them floss too? The answer is yes. We can’t dismiss the power of flossing, as dental experts agree that daily flossing is an essential part of proper oral hygiene. It is best if you explain to your kids early on that flossing is not optional, and should be considered as a continuation of your teeth cleaning routine. After all, flossing cleans nearly 35% of your tooth surface that your toothbrush can’t reach!

Neglected Flossing and Gum Disease

Flossing isn’t just a way to remove that pesky popcorn kernel left between your back teeth. Regular flossing is a powerful and trusted method to prevent gum disease, decay and bad breath. You are not only dislodging food debris between your teeth, but you can also remove the harmful buildup of plaque and bacteria underneath your gum line.

When plaque, bacteria and food are allowed to remain in those tight spaces between your teeth and just under the gum line, you become more susceptible to gum disease. At first, you may notice that your gums are puffy, red or bleed easily. This is the beginning stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis. More diligent flossing habits can often reverse gum disease at this stage!

If periodontal disease is left untreated and you continue to dismiss your flossing routine, it may result in a more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. At this stage, the infection can destroy the tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place. Did you know that untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States?

Know Your Flossing Options

Nearly 37% of Americans report that they never floss! As parents, you can do your part to change that by encouraging your child to floss and treating flossing as a necessary component of their dental hygiene routine at home. With so many flossing options, like water flossers, Y-shaped holders, orthodontic flossers and flavored floss, there is really no reason why your child can’t start learning and doing this job.

To learn more or to schedule your child’s next routine dental visit, call Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry today.