Just like with adults, flossing is just as important a consideration for children as brushing is. At Walker Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to do more than just provide dental services for your child – we’re here to help get them on a permanent schedule for things like flossing and brushing through helping them realize the importance of these tasks.

So why is flossing so vital for children? Let’s go over a few important areas it helps prevent, plus a few helpful flossing tools you can consider as a parent.

Bad Breath

Also called halitosis, bad breath is one of the primary results of a lack of flossing in many cases. Food debris that gets stuck in between the teeth is very common for children who are still developing the gaps and spaces between their teeth, and this debris provides a safe haven for harmful bacteria.

Bacteria buildup, in turn, leads to the emission of sulfur compounds in the mouth. These compounds have an awful smell, and if enough of them are present, your child will have bad breath because of them. They tend to smell like rotten eggs, or something similar.

Plaque and Cavities

If your child is getting cavities early, it’s possible a lack of flossing is the culprit. Flossing helps remove plaque, which builds up between the teeth. Bacteria in plaque uses sugars found in your food to create an acid, which attacks the teeth.

Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease

Not brushing and flossing daily can cause swollen, sensitive gums in children. These will often bleed when brushed, which can be an early sign of gum disease. If you notice that your child has swollen or tender gums that bleed when they brush or floss, you should both consider their dental habits and schedule a visit with our pediatric dentist.

Helpful Flossing Tools

A few tools that help many parents get their children into more regular flossing habits:

• Ultra floss: This is a floss that can stretch thin to clean between tight teeth, but also wide enough to clean wider spaces.
• Floss threader: If your child has braces, we suggest they use a floss threader, which is designed precisely for these circumstances.
• Dental tape: For kids with gaps in their teeth, dental tape is a wide, flat solution that’s designed to be gentle on gums that are exposed.

For more on child flossing, or to find out about any of our other services, speak to the staff at Walker Pediatric Dentistry today.