Flossing for Kids: What Is the Age To Start Flossing?
Posted on April 11th, 2025 | Christopher Neal
A child’s smile is precious, and keeping it healthy requires more than just brushing. Many parents ask, “What age should kids start flossing?” The answer might surprise you!
What Age Should Kids Start Flossing Their Teeth?
Kids should start flossing as soon as they have two teeth that sit beside one another, usually around age 2 or 3. This might seem early, but it’s the perfect time to begin this healthy habit!
At such a young age, parents need to do the flossing for their children. Most kids don’t have the hand skills to brush or floss properly until they’re about 8-10 years old. Even after they start flossing themselves, they’ll likely need supervision until you’re sure they’re able to do it correctly.
Why Is Flossing Important?
Did you know that brushing alone only cleans about 60% of tooth surfaces? The spaces between teeth are hiding spots for food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum issues. Flossing reaches these hidden areas that a toothbrush simply can’t get to.
Regular flossing helps remove plaque between teeth before it hardens into tartar. When children don’t floss, they risk developing cavities, bad breath, and even gum disease. Starting good flossing habits early helps protect your child’s dental health for years to come. That’s why it’s crucial to floss their teeth at least once a day when they’re young and teach them how to floss their teeth properly once they’re old enough.
Steps for Teaching Proper Flossing
When your child is ready to learn to floss by themselves (usually around age 6 or 7), follow these simple steps:
- Tear off approximately 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the majority around your middle fingers.
- Firmly hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, keeping a 1 to 2-inch piece between them.
- Guide the floss gently between your child’s teeth.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape against one tooth and slide it carefully up and down.
- Repeat this process for each tooth, using a clean section of floss each time.
When showing kids how to floss their molars, you might need to use your index fingers to guide the floss carefully. Flossing back teeth can be tricky, so be patient and take your time showing your child how to reach these important areas.
Is It Better To Floss Before or After Tooth Brushing? In the Morning or at Night?
The best time to floss is before brushing your teeth. Flossing first removes food particles and plaque from between teeth, allowing toothpaste to reach more tooth surfaces. It can also help prevent the toothbrush from pushing food trapped along the gumline underneath the gum tissue.
As for timing, flossing once a day is enough— usually at night before bed is best. This removes food that’s collected between teeth throughout the day. However, if your child eats food that easily gets stuck between teeth (like popcorn or candy), flossing after these meals can help prevent discomfort.
How To Help Toddlers Get Used to Flossing
Flossing a toddler’s teeth can be challenging. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Make it fun! Sing songs or tell stories while flossing.
- Let your child watch you floss your own teeth first.
- Use a reward chart to track flossing sessions.
- If your child is having trouble with regular dental floss, you can try a floss pick, which may be easier for small hands to use.
- Let them pick the flossing tool— There are plenty of children’s dental floss options available. These can include colorful floss picks, picks shaped like animals, and flavored floss.
- Keep flossing sessions short and positive.
- Use praise and encouragement, even if you only manage to floss a few teeth at first.
Remember, consistency is key. Even if your toddler doesn’t like flossing, gentle persistence will help them get used to the routine.
Visit Our Pediatric Dentist
At Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we’re trained to help children build healthy dental habits that last a lifetime. If you have questions about how to floss your child’s teeth properly or when to start, our friendly team is here to help!
Schedule an appointment to learn more about flossing and keeping your child’s oral health in check!
