If you have a difficult time motivating your children to floss, you are not alone. In fact, it can be hard just getting them to brush for the recommended two minutes, twice a day. However, don’t let the challenge hold you back from making sure this task gets done each day. Flossing is extremely important for the health of your child’s smile, as it cleans up to 35% of a tooth’s surface that a toothbrush cannot. If you instill a strong motivation to floss in these early years, your child will likely grow up to be a diligent flosser as an adult.
Here are some tips on how you can get your child to floss more:
Use A Chart – Let your child help you design a fun chart so that they can actually see their success. Getting to put a sticker on their chart each day is great motivation for small children. You can even offer a reward at the end of the month for a job well done – just try to use a reward that doesn’t involve candy!
Make it Fun – Sing a song or play a game while flossing. Creativity and fun can bring positive reinforcement to this oral hygiene routine.
Invest in a New Product – There are many flossing products out there that are designed for kids. You can find trendy and colorful flossing tools that make it fun and easy.
Lead by Example – Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to motivate your child to floss is to floss yourself. Let them see you taking care of your teeth on a daily basis so they will imitate your behavior.
Remember that if you have a child that cannot tie his or her own shoe, you probably still need to do the flossing for them. Flossing requires coordination and dexterity to be effective. What changes can you make in your household to encourage your kids to floss more? It may take some extra planning or time, but the health of your child’s smile is worth it!
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,