Parents are often amazed when I ask if they are flossing their child's teeth. Their response is usually,"I didn't know I was supposed to!" Flossing should begin as soon as there are two adjacent teeth.
Flossing at an early age will establish a basis for good oral hygiene. It also aids the child in being more cooperative and complaint once the full dentition has erupted.
Flossing can help prevent interproximal cavities which can become rampant. In very small children, this is often referred to as "bottle decay." Removing the plaque from in between the teeth not only prevents caries, it also reduces the risk of periodontal disease. When plaque is left on the teeth, especially in between the teeth, it causes swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gum tissue. This is known as gingivitis. Seventy percent of children have gingivitis, according to research. Consistent removal of plaque cures gingivitis. However, chronic gingivitis can cause a breakdown of the structures supporting the teeth and become periodontal disease. The Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital reports 50 percent of adolescents and 66 percent of young adults suffer from periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is irreversible. It is the No. 1 cause of tooth loss in adults. So, start flossing your child's teeth now to maintain that beautiful smile!
