You remember to brush your child's teeth every day, but do you help your child floss as well? While brushing is a great first step in helping your child take care of his or her teeth in between their general dentistry appointments at Corley Family Dental in Decatur, flossing is essential too. Here's why.
1. Flossing Helps You Reach the Hard-to-Reach Spaces
Brushing may be helpful at removing bacteria and food particles from the surface of the teeth, but no toothbrush can reach every crack and crevice. Flossing is essential for reaching the tiny spaces in between the teeth, where food particles and bacteria love to hide.
2. Flossing Helps Keep the Gums Healthy
Flossing doesn't just keep the teeth clean in between general dentistry visits to Corley Family Dental in Decatur, either. It also removes bacteria and food particles from the gum line as well. This not only results in a cleaner mouth, but it also offers better breath and a reduced risk of gum disease.
3. Early Flossing Helps Establish Good Habits for Life
Teach your child good oral hygiene habits from the time your child is little and he or she is much more likely to follow the same practices as he or she gets older. If flossing is routine from childhood on, you won't have to nag and pester once the teenage years roll around.
4. Your Child's Baby Teeth Act as Placeholders For Permanent Teeth
Just because your child is going to lose his or her current set of baby teeth does not mean that you don't have to take care of them. Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth and whether or not they are healthy can have a significant impact on your child's oral health even after his or her adult teeth come in.
Flossing your child's teeth may not be pleasant, but the good news is that it doesn't take long for it to become a habit. Get your child in the habit now and not only will it help your child now, but those same great oral hygiene practices are far more likely to carry into adulthood as well.
For additional tips and information on brushing and flossing, be sure to call Corley Family Dental in Decatur and speak to either Natalie A. Corley, DMD or Chad A. Corley, DMD. Both doctors would love to speak to you about any general dentistry concerns or questions you may have.