Brushing is often the first milestone in your child’s oral hygiene journey, but many parents wonder — when should flossing begin? And more importantly, should you even be flossing your child’s teeth if they’re still little?
At Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry in Southborough, we get this question a lot. The short answer is yes — flossing plays a critical role in your child’s oral health, even at a young age. As a top pediatric dental provider for families in the area, we’re here to explain when, how, and why flossing matters for your child’s smile.
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. While brushing is essential, it only cleans the front, back, and chewing surfaces of teeth. Without flossing, about 35% of each tooth is left uncleaned.
Children are just as susceptible to cavities between the teeth as adults — in some cases, even more so due to:
By establishing a flossing routine early, parents can prevent decay, gum inflammation, and the need for early dental treatment.
The general rule: start flossing as soon as two teeth are touching. For most kids, this happens between the ages of two and three. At first, you’ll need to do it for them. As they grow, you can teach them to take over the habit with supervision.
We often recommend flossing once per day — preferably before bedtime — to give teeth a thorough clean after a full day of eating and drinking.
As a trusted pediatric dentist Southborough MA, we provide personalized flossing guidance based on your child’s age, dental development, and cavity risk.
“My child still has baby teeth — do they really need to floss?”
Absolutely. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and guide their eruption. Preventing decay in baby teeth is key to avoiding pain, infection, or premature loss.
“Flossing is too hard for my child.”
It’s normal for kids to struggle with flossing at first. That’s why it’s important for parents to help until kids have the dexterity to do it on their own — usually around age 8 to 10. Tools like floss picks can also make the process easier.
“If their teeth are spaced out, I don’t need to floss them.”
Even if your child has spacing now, their teeth will likely shift as they grow. Flossing helps build the habit early and protects gum health.
How to Floss a Child’s Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose the right floss – Look for soft, shred-resistant floss or child-friendly floss picks.
2. Be gentle – Slide the floss between the teeth and curve it in a “C” shape around each tooth.
3. Use clean sections – Move to a new section of floss between each tooth.
4. Keep it consistent – Floss every day at the same time to build routine.
5. Make it fun – Use a reward chart or a fun flossing song to keep kids motivated.
If you’re unsure how to do it correctly, ask us at your next visit. As a top pediatric dentist near Southborough, we’re happy to demonstrate proper flossing technique for you and your child.
Even with daily brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed during professional dental cleanings. We recommend regular cleanings and checkups every sixmonths to monitor your child’s oral health and provide a deeper clean.
During these visits, we can also assess whether your child’s flossing routine is effective and offer adjustments if needed. For families in need of an emergency pediatric dentist Southborough MA, we also provide urgent care when issues like gum infections or food impactions arise — both of which can often be prevented with consistent flossing.
Developing good oral hygiene habits early can reduce your child’s risk of cavities, gum disease, and dental anxiety later in life. When flossing is introduced as a natural part of their routine, children are more likely to carry those habits into adulthood.
As a leading pediatric dentist in Southborough MA, our team at Cedar Brook PediatricDentistry focuses not only on treating problems, but on setting your child up for lifelong oral health success.
It’s common for young children to resist flossing. Here are a few strategies to make it easier:
If your child is especially sensitive or has sensory challenges, let us know. We’ll work with you to customize an approach that fits your family’s needs.
We’re proud to be a top pediatric dentist Southborough families recommend. Our team specializes in working with children of all ages — from infants to teens — and we focus on creating a welcoming, stress-free environment for every visit.
Whether it’s teaching flossing, performing preventive care, or responding to urgent needs, we combine experience, compassion, and education to help your child thrive.
Flossing your child’s teeth may seem like a small step, but it plays a big role in preventing cavities, protecting gum health, and establishing lifelong dental habits. Starting early, staying consistent, and involving your child in the process can make flossing an easy, natural part of your daily routine.If you have questions about your child’s flossing habits or want personalized tips, we invite you to visit Cedar Brook Pediatric Dentistry — your partner in pediatric oral health and prevention.
