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Seven Reasons Why Kids Need to Floss

Flossing is an often-overlooked step of an oral health routine, yet flossing every day is key to preventing tooth decay and gum disease — not to mention the increased risk of other health issues that it can lead to later in life.

While your children may not like flossing every day, there are many reasons why so many dentists urge their patients to do it at least once a day. Dr. Allie Miller of Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park in Winter Park, FL wants you to know the top 7 reasons your children should floss every day.

1. It prevents bad breath

Our mouths are full of mostly harmless bacteria but when they build up between teeth, the acids they produce causes bad breath. Removing the bacteria and leftover food particles from between teeth by flossing will prevent bad breath and help your gums stay healthy.

2. It prevents cavities

That bacteria we just mentioned: Did you know that over 500 different species of it live in mouths? Many of them cause cavities and like to live in the hard-to-reach spaces between teeth.

3. It reduces their risk of gum disease

The bacteria also causes gum disease. What starts out as just a little blood when they floss can turn into swollen gums and loose teeth without you even noticing other symptoms. Removing plaque from between teeth by flossing regularly is an important step in keeping gum disease from progressing.

4. Gum disease is directly linked to serious health problems

Gum disease can also negatively impact overall health in serious ways. New studies are finding links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s disease, and it has already been linked to low birth weight. Help them to avoid gum disease and the serious medical problems that can come with it by stressing regular brushing and flossing.

5. Brushing alone only gets 60% of the plaque off of teeth

While brushing is important to oral health, almost half of the plaque that needs to be removed cannot be reached by brushing alone. Around 40% of plaque is actually between teeth and cannot be removed by brushing. Flossing, or some other form of interdental cleaning, is the only way to remove this hard-to-reach plaque.

6. Flossing saves YOU money in the long run

By preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, flossing can help save you money by preventing them from needing complex, painful, and expensive dental procedures. The simplest and most inexpensive way to prevent oral health problems is with regular brushing and flossing.

7. Their dental team will be proud of them (and you)

Your dentist and hygienists can tell when they’ve actually been flossing regularly! Dr. Allie wants parents to be partners in helping children to take their oral hygiene and health seriously. So to score some extra points at their dental visit and avoid both of you getting the flossing lecture, make sure you help them clean between their teeth every day. 

(05/07/2022)
by Dr Allie Miller

More Information: https://www.pediatricdentistofwinterpark.com/2019/07/top-7-reasons-why-kids-need-to-floss/

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