Do Kids Really Need to Floss?
Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
Flossing your child’s teeth can feel like a daily battle—tiny mouths, wiggly kids, and slippery floss don’t make it simple. But it’s one of the most important steps in protecting their smile. Flossing removes the plaque and food debris that brushing leaves behind, keeping gums healthy and preventing early decay.
We care for growing smiles in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper, TX with gentle, kid-focused dental care.
Table of Contents
When Should Kids Start Flossing?
You should start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as two teeth touch. At this stage, parents will need to do the flossing for their child until they develop enough coordination to handle flossing independently.
The American Dental Association recommends daily flossing for everyone, including children, because it reduces the risk of cavities and gum problems as permanent teeth come in.
Why Flossing Is So Important
Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help children chew and speak properly. When plaque and bacteria build up between teeth, it can cause:
- Cavities between teeth
- Gum inflammation or bleeding
- Bad breath
- Early tooth decay that spreads to permanent teeth
Flossing every day removes the plaque that brushing misses, especially in back teeth, where food particles often get trapped.
What Type of Floss Should You Use?
Many parents find floss picks easier to use on small mouths. These disposable, pre-threaded tools help reach back teeth without too much fuss. Traditional string floss, however, offers more control and can wrap more closely around each tooth.
The most important thing is to choose a floss that works for you and one you’ll use consistently.
Step-by-Step: How to Floss Your Child’s Teeth
Here’s a simple way to make flossing part of your child’s daily routine:
- Use about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around each middle finger.
- Gently guide the floss between teeth with your thumbs and forefingers.
- Curve it around one tooth in a “C” shape and move up and down.
- Repeat for each tooth, including the back ones.
- Use a new section of floss as it gets dirty.
Flossing can take practice, so stay patient and make it fun. Play music, let your child choose the floss color, or reward consistency with stickers.
The American Dental Association provides this helpful step-by-step flossing guide that you can download, print and tape to the bathroom mirror to assist in teaching your children.
The Role of Regular Dental Visits
Flossing is only one part of your child’s oral care. Regular checkups allow the dentist to remove any plaque buildup, spot cavities early, and reinforce good habits. At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we make dental visits fun and stress-free for kids while teaching families the best home care routines.
Keep Your Child’s Smile on Track
Healthy habits at home go hand in hand with regular dental visits. Our caring team makes every appointment positive, comfortable, and fun for kids of all ages.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, call (214) 618-5200 or visit us at 6801 Warren Parkway, Ste 115, Frisco, TX.
📍Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, TX
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in Prosper, TX
FAQs
Even if your child’s teeth are spaced, dental floss helps remove food and plaque near the gums and back molars. Flossing keeps the flossing routine consistent and supports long-term dental hygiene.
If done gently, flossing should not cause pain. A small amount of bleeding at the gum line may occur at first but usually goes away as your child’s mouth adjusts to the new oral hygiene habit.
Both are effective when used correctly. Some parents prefer floss picks for convenience, while others find traditional dental floss offers more control around each tooth. The best choice is whatever helps your child clean thoroughly and maintain good dental hygiene habits.
Try turning flossing into a game or flossing together. When oral hygiene feels fun and rewarding, kids are more likely to stick with their flossing routine every day.