5 Reasons Why Flossing Is Important
"I brushed my teeth, so why do I need to floss?" Your child may have asked you this question, or the question may be coming soon because most kids find flossing to be a hassle. It's essential that you not only teach your child how to floss but also why it is so important to their overall health.
Obviously, brushing is essential, but flossing is equally important to clean the tight spaces between the teeth and along the gum line where a toothbrush alone can't do the job. There is also more and more evidence that suggests that proper dental care is essential to your overall health and helps prevent serious diseases.
The leading pediatric dentistry of Dr. Larry Caldwell shares these reasons as to why flossing is so important:
1. Removes Plaque
Your child's toothbrush works by removing plaque, the sticky white film that sits on the teeth. However, as effective as it is, it can't do the complete job on its own. That's where floss comes in. It's an additional tool to ensure plaque is removed from between the teeth and under the gums. The American Dental Association recommends that children floss at least once a day, that flossing should be done before brushing, and that the best time to floss is before bed, so that plaque and food debris are not sitting between the teeth all night.
2. Prevents Tartar Buildup
If your child worries about going to the dentist for a cleaning, it may be because they have tartar buildup, which can make the cleaning uncomfortable. The best way to avoid tartar buildup is daily flossing. When your child flosses, they remove the plaque that can turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If it's removed when it is in the soft form of plaque, dental cleanings will be a breeze for your child.
3. Protects the Gums
Flossing is essential to gum health. At the place where the teeth and gums meet is a harbor for food particles, bacteria, and plaque. When your child flosses, they are removing both food debris and plaque. If your child doesn't floss, the plaque turns to tartar and can lead to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease that causes red and swollen gums. The problem becomes even more severe if the plaque and tartar move deeper below the gum line, which causes periodontitis. Periodontal disease causes severe inflammation with eventual bone and tooth loss.
4. Saves Money on Healthcare
A study by the Children's Dental Health Project showed that children who had their first dental visit by the age of one had 40% lower dental costs than children who did not start going to the dentist early. The primary reasons for the reduced dental costs are education and professional oral care. In addition to a professional cleaning, part of going to the dentist for your child is learning how to brush and floss properly. This ongoing education leads to a lifetime of good oral care and good oral health.
5. Helps Prevent Other Diseases
Research has shown that an unhealthy mouth can cause heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Excess bacteria in the mouth is the primary culprit that not only leads to gum disease but contributes to these other diseases. Teach your child that flossing not only protects their teeth and gums but will also reduce their chances of conditions that can impact their long-term health.
Flossing Made Easy
If you are struggling to get your child to floss, there is a solution that will make it quick and easy. Dr. Caldwell is the inventor of The Harp Flosser. As an innovator in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Caldwell designed a flossing device designed for children with braces, but your child does not have to have braces to use The Harp.
Make an Appointment with Your Pediatric Dentistry Today!
If you have any questions about flossing or you want to schedule an appointment, contact us. Dr. Caldwell and the team will be happy to help you. If you are looking for a leading pediatric dentistry, contact us for an appointment. You can also request an appointment online. Our specialty is children's dentistry, so we know how to make your child comfortable with going to the dentist. We look forward to meeting you and your child.