Flossing teeth should start when your child has two teeth that touch. This is often around ages 2 to 3. Always floss under the direction of your child’s dentist or primary care provider. Before this age, flossing is not needed. Children often need help with flossing until they are ages 10 to 11.

The importance of flossing

Brushing teeth correctly and consistently helps remove most dental plaque. But brushing alone can’t remove plaque that’s in places that a toothbrush can’t reach. This includes in between the teeth and under the gums. In addition to removing plaque, flossing also helps to:

Your child should floss at least once a day for 2 to 3 minutes each time to be most effective.

Types of dental floss

Regular, consistent flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque. It may be more important than the toothbrush. The different types of dental floss include:

- Waxed and unwaxed

- Flavored and unflavored

- Wide and regular

- Textured and smooth

Flossing methods

Your child’s dentist or primary care provider can show you and your child how to floss. Methods include:

Other flossing methods

Flossing tools are also available, such as a prethreaded flosser or floss holder. These may be helpful for people who are just learning how to floss. They may also help children with limited dexterity in their arms or hands. Or they may be helpful if you are flossing your child’s teeth.

Oral irrigators or water flossers are not a substitute for brushing and flossing. These devices may help clean around braces where food sticks, or in areas a toothbrush can’t reach. But they don’t generally remove film and plaque on the teeth.