Many of our patients have admitted that flossing is just one of the things that no one ever talked to them about or taught them. So, it’s not a habit that they do daily. But the reality is flossing is just as important as brushing.
Last week we looked at ways to make brushing fun for kids, but what about flossing?
Flossing is a skill that requires much more talent than brushing, so starting young ensures that, as adults, your kids will feel that this is part of their daily oral care routine. But to teach your kids well, you have to make flossing fun.
3 Fun Activities
Here are some fun and easy activities to teach your kids how to floss.
- Mega Blocks Mouth:
For this activity, you will need the unit of a mega block around four blocks long, some playdough, and wool. Place chunks of playdough between the blocks and have your child use the floss to remove the playdough until they’re clean.
- Sing a Song:
Sing a Song about flossing to the tune of their favourite nursery rhyme. How about this one to the tune of Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall?
Floss your teeth every day. Floss your teeth to clean plaque away in between teeth and under your gums. We’ll have clean teeth and have lots of fun.
- Peanut Butter-Rubber Gloves Game:
It is a bit messy, but an effective way of showing kids why you need more than brushing alone to clean your teeth. Wear a rubber glove smeared with a small amount of peanut butter for this activity. Keep your fingers tight together and tell your kids to see how much peanut butter they can remove with a toothbrush and floss.
Make your kids understand that they can’t brush the peanut butter between your fingers. Instead, they’ll have to use floss to clean them thoroughly. You can then explain why you can’t completely clean your teeth by brushing as a brush and can’t get to the food stuck between your teeth.
These fun activities will ensure that your kids learn how to floss easily.
Dental Cleanings in Aspendale Gardens, VIC, Australia
Combined with regular dental visits and a balanced diet, these flossing activities will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits. If you and your child are looking for a fun dental experience, call Aspendale Gardens Dental Care at 9580 3200 or make an appointment.
Our location is very convenient, in the shopping centre across the road from the school. As always, for more information, visit our website at www.aspendalegardensdentalcare.com.au or come in and talk to our friendly staff for children dental treatement.