Ages 7 and Up

• Use about 18 inches of floss.
• Wrap the floss gently around your middle fingers.
• 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 Tip for Ages 3 to 6 years old

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.

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!

Is it okay to use 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.