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Flossing is an important way of cleaning the teeth as it cleans the area that a toothbrush cannot reach. However, you should be careful when you floss your kids since their gums are still sensitive.

According to Colgate, kids should start flossing once their tooth started to grow next to each other. Flossing at least once a day removes the bacterial plaque and food that settled in between teeth. A mouth without proper hygiene is more likely to develop tooth decay, gum disease and halitosis.

However, kids under 6 need the help of their parents in flossing their teeth. Here are steps on how to floss your kids:

1.       Get a short length of floss and twine each end at the thumb and the index finger for better control. Insert the floss between the child's teeth but be careful as child's gums are too soft and cannot handle too much pressure.

2.       Curve the floss around the tooth and gently slide it up and down along the side of the tooth and under the gumline.

3.       To avoid reinsertion of food and plaque, use a new section of floss for each tooth.

4.       Use an interdental brush to clean the space between tooth surfaces.

Parents may also start teaching their kids to floss but they need supervision until they reach 8 years old. Teaching them at the early age will help them establish regular flossing habits. Floss comes in different flavors and colors which can make flossing a little exciting to kids, according to 1800Dentist.

Here are some easy steps to help your kids in flossing their own teeth:

1.       Let your kids cut off around18 inches of floss.

2.       Have them wrap both ends of the floss around their index or middle finger on both hands.

3.       Lastly, have them carefully guide the floss between their teeth, gently moving the floss around the tooth and under their gum line. Make sure that they have thoroughly cleaned each tooth.

You may use threaded floss or floss holder to make it easier for your kids to control the floss around their teeth. Moreover, your kids may start visiting their dentist as early as six months after their first tooth emerges or after their first birthday. It is important to teach kids at the early age as they are more likely to keep this behavior until they grow up. Teaching them the proper way of flossing and brushing will help them develop good oral hygiene habits.