Use your thumbs and index fingers to pinch about an inch.
Slide the floss gently in between your teeth.
Wrap the floss in a "C" shape, and gently scrape up and down.
And remember! Floss under the gums using a "C" shape! Flossie loves to "C" your teeth every day!
Floss all of your teeth, then brush, rinse, and spit!
A NOTE ABOUT FLOSS HOLDERS: Some young kids (and grown-ups!) find it easier to use the floss that is already prepared on a plastic holder. These are great! However, there are two stages to flossing; flossing in between the teeth where they touch for cavity prevention, and flossing under the gumline to prevent gum disease. The holders are great for getting plaque germs out from in between the teeth (thus preventing cavities on the sides where the teeth touch), but to thoroughly floss under the gums it is best to do it manually and make a "C"-shape with the floss. The "C"-shape helps slide the floss under the gums more gently, too! Consult with your dentist about flossing and any other questions you might have.
Parents! Take a piece of floss and tie a knot so it makes a circle. This way it's much easier for small hands with limited dexterity to hold.
Wiggle the floss in between the teeth.
Make sure to floss under the gums!
Some young kids find it easier to floss with the plastic flossing holders, but once we get to the age of 7 we need to begin to wrap the floss in the letter "C"-shape and get the floss under the gums!
Flossie Floss’riguez says, “If you are ever worried about having bad breath due to gum disease or gingivitis, just ‘floss N sniff’ the floss! If there is a foul odor, keep flossing every day. You may notice improvement in a few days, but if not, get to the dentist for a check-up. You’ll probably need to have your gums evaluated and your teeth thoroughly cleaned.”
NOTE TO PARENTS:
Any child AT ANY AGE who eats sugar in any form (including juice fructose and milk lactose) is subject to the possibility of getting cavities.
Daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque germs dramatically reduces the risk. See your dentist for more information!
