Do you feel like you've already tackled the challenge of getting your child in the habit of brushing regularly, and now you need them to start flossing as well? If so, you may find it difficult to teach them to floss. Here are four ways that you can make flossing fun and encourage your child to floss regularly.

Use Different Kinds of Floss

One of the reasons your child may be against flossing is because it is difficult to do. If you are using traditional dental floss, it can be tough for a child to wrap it around their finger and maintain the floss so it is tight. That is why it helps to use different kind of floss, like floss picks. These plastic picks have a piece of floss threaded across them, which makes it easier to work between the teeth.

Another option is to let your child pick out the floss that they use. They may find that having floss in a certain color helps motivate them to floss regularly, or having a package with a favorite character on it.

Use a Sticker Chart

Having a potential reward is always a wonderful motivator for a child. You can do this by using a sticker chart to track your child's flossing success, and reward them with a prize for successfully flossing a specific amount of time. Use whatever reward system works best for your child, since a reward can range from a small toy to being able to stay up a little longer past their bedtime.

Use a Song

One technique you may have used to get your child to brush is to play a tooth-brushing song. Thankfully, there are also songs out there to help with flossing. Enter some keywords into YouTube and you'll pull up many songs that can help motivate your child to brush. Add a couple of songs to a playlist and play one each night while they floss.

Demonstrate on Yourself

Leading by example is a great way to get a child to do anything. When it's time for your child to brush their teeth, use the time to floss your own teeth as well. They'll be able to see what techniques you are using, try to mimic them, and floss for as long as you can keep it up. If you make flossing at the same time as your child part of your regular routine, it will eventually become part of your child's routine when they floss on their own.

For more information and tips, you can contact your local pediatric dentistry office.

Share