Per guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA), Dr. Matt Corbin at Corbin Dental recommends that you start flossing your child’s primary (baby) teeth as soon as you see there is contact (no space) between them. Toothbrushes can reach all surfaces of teeth if there is adequate space between them, but when that space closes, flossing is the best way to remove plaque from between the teeth.
If not removed effectively, plaque between the teeth can cause cavities to form in this area. Remember, parents will need to floss for young children and supervise older ones. Flossing can be difficult for children to master alone and it is important to establish regular flossing habits if you want to give them optimal oral health by the time that they reach adulthood.
The act of flossing should be performed once each day. The floss should go all the way down the tooth and underneath the gum line. You should form a “C” shape to hug the tooth to make sure you get all the way around the surface of the tooth.
To learn more about dental health for your child, schedule an appointment at Corbin Dental in Franklin, NC today.
