Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process. It removes food particles and plaque between teeth that brushing misses. Flossing should begin when 2 teeth touch, commonly around 2 to 2 ½ years of age. Some children may only need a few back teeth flossed and others may need flossing between all their tight teeth, depending on the child’s dental spacing. Children usually need assistance with flossing until they are 8 to 10 years of age.
Flossing tools, such as a pre-threaded flossers or floss holders, may be helpful for children who are just learning how to floss. Otherwise children may find it easier to use a loop of floss, which is created by taking a piece of floss about 10 inches long and tying the ends together into a circle. Parents (and older children) can then hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers to floss.
