Brushing is often the first oral hygiene habit children learn, but flossing is just as important for maintaining a healthy smile. While brushing cleans the surfaces of teeth, flossing removes food particles and plaque from the tight spaces a toothbrush can’t reach. Teaching your child to floss early helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath as their smile grows. Here are 5 helpful tips for teaching your child how to floss effectively and make it a fun part of their daily routine.
1. Start Early and Lead by Example
Children can begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch, which usually happens around age two or three. At first, you’ll need to floss for them, but as they get older, you can guide them in doing it on their own.
One of the most powerful ways to teach good flossing habits is to model the behavior yourself. Let your child watch you floss so they can see how it’s done. Make it a family activity—stand in front of the mirror together and show them that flossing is just as normal and important as brushing. When they see you taking care of your teeth, they’ll be more likely to do the same.
2. Use Child-Friendly Tools
Traditional dental floss can be hard for small fingers to manage, so consider starting with floss picks or pre-threaded flossers designed for children. These tools are easier to hold and maneuver, helping your child feel more confident as they learn.
Many children’s flossers come in fun colors, animal shapes, or flavors that make the experience more enjoyable. Once your child develops better dexterity—usually around age eight or nine—you can transition to regular dental floss.
3. Teach the Right Technique
Simply pulling floss between teeth isn’t enough—it’s important to show your child the correct technique. Here’s how to explain it in kid-friendly terms:
- Gently slide the floss between two teeth.
- Curve it into a “C” shape around one tooth and move it up and down.
- Repeat on the other side of the space.
- Use a clean section of floss for each pair of teeth.
Go slowly and be gentle—if flossing hurts, your child might be using too much pressure. Reinforce that it’s about cleaning, not scraping.
4. Make It Fun and Rewarding
Kids are more likely to floss when it feels like a game, not a chore. Try using music, stickers, or reward charts to make flossing exciting. Let them choose their own flossers or create a fun flossing song to keep them engaged.
You can also turn it into a challenge—like “Let’s see who can floss all their teeth before the song ends!”—to keep their attention and make it something they look forward to.
5. Be Patient and Consistent
Flossing takes coordination and practice, so don’t worry if your child doesn’t get it right immediately. Offer encouragement, gentle reminders, and praise for their effort. Make flossing part of their regular bedtime routine, right after brushing, so it becomes a consistent habit.
The goal is to create lifelong oral hygiene skills, not perfection overnight. Over time, your child will get better and faster—and they’ll appreciate your patience and support.
Teaching your child to floss is one of the best gifts you can give their smile. By starting early, making it fun, and setting a good example, you’ll help them develop habits that protect their teeth for life. With these five tips, flossing can go from a daily battle to a fun and rewarding part of your child’s routine—and their healthy smile will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Sheh Vahid says that being a solo practitioner and private practice owner allows her to better get to know her young patients and their families. She stays current in her field through memberships with the Georgia Dental Association, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If your little one is in need of preventive services, schedule an appointment online or call (678) 498-2878.