We’re often asked when the right time is for kids to begin flossing.  The answer is as soon as they have two teeth that fit closely together! Kids likely won’t be able to do it on their own properly until they are around 10!  So it’s important to make this part of the routine early on. Even though primary (baby) teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, it’s important to floss them anyway. Let’s break it down:

Why floss?

Because it’s just as important as brushing! Toothbrushes do a great job in removing dental plaque.  But no matter what kind of brush you use, there are still some crevices that it can’t reach. Enter, dental floss! Specifically designed to get into those tough to reach places between teeth, floss gets rid of food particles that may have snuck in uninvited and overstayed their welcome.

Besides removing hard to reach food particles, flossing is also good for the gums and helps to prevent diseases like gingivitis. Amazingly, we miss out on 35% of our teeth’s surface area when we don’t floss. Over time, that can add up and lead to unpleasant consequences.

So, how often should I floss?

As the rule goes, it’s important for both kids and adults to brush teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes each time.  If it’s too much to floss every time, once a day should be enough. For kids, we recommend doing this at night before bedtime.

The more flossing becomes a regular habit, the more likely it can save you money and keep your health in tact in the long run. It pays to be healthy!