Flossing is an important part of oral health. It helps to clean areas in the mouth that a toothbrush can’t reach. While it is common to floss in adulthood, not many children floss. But it is actually important that children do floss, as it can offer a range of benefits to both their oral and physical health.
For many adults, flossing forms a key part of daily oral hygiene. Most people floss after brushing their teeth, in an effort to clean the areas that brushing alone can’t reach.
But while some people associate flossing purely with adulthood, it is actually important that children floss their teeth too [1].
Flossing can help a child’s oral health. But as many parents can attest to, getting them to do so can be challenging. However, there are ways of getting children to floss.
The benefits of flossing
Flossing has been around for a long time. In fact, the first floss was patented in the United States back in 1874 [2]!
Flossing is a crucial element of oral hygiene. It involves a person using dental floss to clean between their teeth.
Flossing removes food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline – specifically in areas that normal brushing is unable to reach [2].
These particles, when left untouched, are broken down by acid and can eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Therefore, flossing can prevent cavities from forming. Moreover, it stops the build-up of plaque, reduces the risk of gum disease, and fights bad breath [2].
How many children floss?
A survey recently produced by the Australian Dental Association found that 76% of children never floss their teeth, or have adults do it for them [3].
Many of the adult respondents believed that while baby teeth were in place that there was no need in their children flossing [3].
This figure is consistent with past research on the topic, with another study finding that less than a quarter of children in the United States floss regularly [4].
So based on past research, it appears that only approximately 1 in 4 children floss their teeth. Ideally, this number would be much higher.
Why should children floss?
While it is recommended that adults floss, there has been debate in the past as to whether or not children should also floss.
Moreover, as alluded to above, some parents believe that there isn’t a need for baby teeth to be flossed – due to how the baby teeth will fall out and naturally be replaced.
However, research suggests that children should actually floss. This is due to a range of factors, specifically related to cases where teeth need to be removed.
For example, baby teeth play an important role in the development of a child’s jaw bones [1]. Consequently, this can change the appearance of their face. If teeth become extensively decayed, then this can stop the natural development of the jaw.
Moreover, baby teeth act as a guide for where permanent teeth should erupt. As a result, if baby teeth are lost too early, then tooth crowding often happens [1].
In fact, some research found that premature loss of baby teeth increases the risk of positioning problems of permanent teeth by more than 2.5 times [5].
How to get children to floss their teeth
As discussed, flossing is very important and can provide a range of benefits for children. But many parents find it difficult to get children to floss their teeth.
The first step is to get the correct equipment. Interdental brushes are effective for larger spaces in teeth, or when a child has braces. Alternatively, dental floss is better for those that have small spaces between their teeth.
You can buy animal shaped, coloured, or fun themed flosses, which can help to appeal to children and keep them engaged.
Once the equipment is confirmed, it is recommended to set up a regular routine which involves brushing teeth and then flossing.
It is recommended that in the first few years of life, parents brush and floss their children’s teeth. At around the age of 5, children tend to be able to brush and floss themselves [1].
However, it is important to note that when done incorrectly, flossing can actually damage the gums, teeth, and even dislodge fillings. Therefore, supervising children until they are fully comfortable with flossing is advised.
Using positive reinforcements can keep children motivated to floss. Rewarding children for flossing can also be a source of motivation.
If they floss regularly, this should result in positive habits being developed that can contribute towards strong oral health for life.
Thinking points…
[1] Parents have a key role to play in the oral health of their children. They can set a good example by brushing their own teeth and flossing in front of their children. Additionally, it is important for everyone, irrespective of age, to attend dental check-ups. Parents and children could go together – this would set a good example to children. You could book an appointment now!
[2] Are you a parent? If so, try to introduce flossing into your child’s oral hygiene routine. There are also other practical things you can do to protect your child’s dental health. For example, this includes avoiding sugary food and drink, avoiding falling asleep with a bottle containing milk or fruit juice, and cleaning their tongue. These measures can help to protect the teeth of your children!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Sharma, D. (2025). Kids need to floss too, even their baby teeth. But how do you actually get them to do it?. Available: https://theconversation.com/kids-need-to-floss-too-even-their-baby-teeth-but-how-do-you-actually-get-them-to-do-it-262209. Last accessed: 8th August 2025.
[2] BBC News. (2016). Should you floss or not? Study says benefits unproven. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-36962667. Last accessed: 8th August 2025.
[3] Australian Dental Association. (2025). Open wide: the oral habits of Aussie families revealed (Dental Health Week). Available: https://ada.org.au/open-wide-the-oral-habits-of-aussie-families-revealed-dental-health-week. Last accessed: 8th August 2025.
[4] University of Michigan. (2025). New poll shows over 1/3 of parents say their child has experienced dental problems. Available: https://ihpi.umich.edu/news-events/news/new-poll-shows-over-13-parents-say-their-child-has-experienced-dental-problems. Last accessed: 8th August 2025.
[5] Shakti, P., Singh, A., Purohit, B. M., et al. (2023). Effect of premature loss of primary teeth on prevalence of malocclusion in permanent dentition: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Orthodontics. 21 (4): 100816. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ortho.2023.100816.
