I have realized that I should probably start flossing my son's teeth. He's 17 months old and I want to instill good hygene in him. His dad is just getting on the decent (decent not good) hygene train. My parents told me to brush but never really cared if I did. So out of sheer luck, I have decent teeth and not to many fillings. One mom said she flossed her childs teeth. .. .but how does one do that?? With one of those floss devices? I'm trying to be green so that is to big of a waste for me. It's hard enough for me to floss myself, let alone a wiggly toddler!!!
Thanks Red! I'll look around for the floss your own floss pick things! Now to know the technical term so I can search for it easier. ..
The pediatric dentist I went to said it is not necessary to floss a toddlers teeth. Once they get older, like 10-11 years old, it is fine but their teeth are not so tightly fitted together that the tooth brush can't get to it. I wouldn't bother and I never have flossed a baby's teeth. Brushing is enough.
probably best to start now. I would get some of the flossers. They are dental pickers. I think they make some for kids also. I would get some for you. Give it a try. Another good thing when he gets a little older is the smart rinse by lysterine. I would say they need to be at least four before they do that. I always worry about swallowing. Good luck
I started flossing my son's teeth when he was three. We don't do it regularly. However, it was easier as he got older and I could explain. Maybe you should wait a little while.
Ive had two dentists tell me that flossing is more important than brushing. We use a floss that has a high grade tea tree oil on it so it kills bacteria as it removes debris. Cavities tend to start at those close places where only floss can get. (Yes, we brush our teeth, lol) Instill good habits early. I have a mouth full of silver, so does my husband. Both my girls, 15 and 18 have never had a cavity....
Hope this helps,
M.
My 11 month old lets me floss her teeth... I use those little floss pics. Technically, they are only one-use things... but I use one a week since it's really not used that much. (She only has 2 teeth that are close enough to need flossed.. lol.) I just rinse it off after I use it and store it with her toothbrush. I lay her down on my lap, and give her a small toy to play with while I floss her teeth. Then I will let HER hold the flosser and 'floss' MY teeth. She thinks it's a game at this point. If you want to try to stay more green, they make floss holders that you can string your own floss through. I'm not sure where to find them though...
It's a good habit to instill daily just like brushing your teeth. I use the floss picks with my youngest. They became uncomfortable for my oldest so I use the regular old Glide floss with her. For them it is as natural as brushing your teeth so I am hoping it is something they will continue when they are older.
I didn't start that early. I used one of those silicone brushes that you put on your finger to massage the gums.
I'm obsessed with healthy teeth. My son is almost four and we brush, floss (with floss picks) and also use a tongue scraper. That is his FAVORITE part.
He say's "tickle my tongue mom!" I really think using the scraper has kept him healthy and cavity free. It's amazing to see what that $2.00 investment can remove from a tongue.
Seek the advice of the pedio - dentist?
Updated
Seek the advice of the pedio - dentist?
