This article about benefits of flossing for kids was inspired by a collaboration with Plackers®. All opinions are my own.
We all know how important flossing is. Unfortunately, sometimes getting our kids to floss can be a challenge. Did you know that you should start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch? Whether you’re planning your flossing adventures for the future or you’re getting a bit of a late start, it’s important to begin now! Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of flossing for kids and how you can make it easier for them.
Flossing Reaches Areas Toothbrushes Don’t
Even the best toothbrush isn’t a good alternative to flossing. Toothbrushes are meant to clean the exposed areas of the teeth. While some brands claim they clean in between the teeth, none get as deep as flossing. Your children need to floss at least once a day to remove all the food particles from
between their teeth. Leaving these particles in there can cause series problems.
Cavities and Periodontal Disease Risks Are Reduced
When food is left between the teeth, it can begin to rot the teeth. This is especially true for children who eat a lot of sweets. That hard candy can get in between the teeth and quickly cause cavities. While flossing won’t completely prevent cavities, it can greatly reduce the chances. Another problem that arises from not flossing is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gingivitis, is an infection of the gums. Food particles that aren’t removed from in between the teeth cause infection to set up. This can lead to inflamed gums that bleed easily. In the worst cases, gingivitis can lead to tooth loss. Getting in the habit of flossing at an early age will help prevent these issues for a lifetime.
Breath Smells Better
Rotten food particles can also cause bad breath. If your child has bad smelling breath after brushing her teeth, she may not be flossing. Explain that no one wants to have bad breath and a great way to prevent it is to floss.
So, now we know the benefits of getting our kids to floss more – how do you actually do it?
How to Make Flossing Easier
One of the first things you want to do is show your child a video, preferably a cartoon, that shows him how to floss. Flossing is also easier when you purchase products made just for kids like Plackers® Fruit Smoothie Swirl Kids’ Flossers. These flossers are designed with a unique dual grip handle making them easy for kids of all ages to use. The smoothie flavor is a huge hit with my girls and they love the fun colors and always insist on picking a different color each night!
To make the flossing process even more fun, Plackers has introduced this adorable monkey-shaped Flosser Friend® that comes with a pack of flossers.
Lastly, if you still need some extra help getting your child to floss regularly, start a reward system. Each day she flosses, add a star to a sticker chart. If she flosses each day for a week, she gets a small prize, such as extra TV time.
It can be a dreaded task for some adults, but starting the habit in your children is important so it won’t be for them! Not only does flossing help prevent bad breath, but it can greatly reduce the chances of cavities and gingivitis. Make the process easier by making sure they know how to floss and giving them tools made just for them.
Plackers new Dual Grip Fruit Smoothie Swirl Kids’ Flossers and the Flosser Friend are available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide and other retail stores such as Publix, Safeway and www.target.com.
