Flossing Kids Teeth: When and How To Start

How to Brush Kids’ Teeth by Age

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Last updated 06/2025 Share

Contents
When to Start Flossing Children's Teeth?
How to Start Flossing Your Child's Teeth
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FAQs

When to Start Flossing Children's Teeth?

You should start flossing your children’s teeth even when they have only their baby (primary) teeth. Once a child’s teeth start to fit closely together, usually between the ages of two and six, parents should start to get their children in the habit of flossing daily. As they develop dexterity, you can help them learn to floss. Children usually develop the ability to floss on their own around the age of 10.

To stress the importance of flossing, do it for them regularly until they're able to do it themselves. This will help them develop a good habit of flossing while they still have their baby teeth so that when their permanent teeth come in, they already have flossing worked into their daily oral routine. Use floss that is soft and flexible so that it doesn't hurt their teeth and is comfortable on their gums.

How to Start Flossing Your Child's Teeth

Try tying the floss into small circles on either end of the strand so that your child’s fingers can easily fit in. This will help them get a grip on the floss in the early stages before they learn how to hold it on their own. Next, have your child follow these basic flossing steps:

Take about 18 inches of floss and loosely wrap most of it around each middle finger leaving an inch of floss between.
Gently slide it down between your child's teeth with your thumb and index fingers holding the floss taut. Be careful not to snap it down on your gums.
Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and gently move it up and down the sides of each tooth, including under the gum line. Unroll a new section of floss as your move from tooth to tooth.

Don’t worry if your child’s gums bleed at first—this is quite common. After a few days of flossing, the bleeding should stop as their gums become healthier. But if the bleeding persists, consult your dental professional.

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How do plaque disclosing tablets work?

Plaque disclosing tablets contain harmless dyes that stick to dental plaque. When you chew a tablet and swish the dissolved dye around your mouth, the dye attaches to plaque, staining it a bright color. This makes it easy to see areas where plaque has accumulated so you can improve your brushing and flossing techniques for a more thorough clean.

Are disclosing tablets safe for children to use?

Disclosing tablets are generally safe for children when used as directed. These tablets contain non-toxic dyes that highlight plaque, making it easier for both kids and parents to see which areas need extra brushing. However, it's important to supervise children during use to ensure they don't swallow large amounts of the tablet and to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding age recommendations and frequency of use. If you have any concerns or if your child has allergies, it's a good idea to consult your dentist before using plaque disclosing tablets.

How often should I use plaque disclosing agents?

YPlaque disclosing agents do not need to be used every day. Many people use them occasionally to check how well they are brushing and to spot areas they may be missing. Follow the product directions for how often to use them, and ask your dentist if you are using them to improve your brushing routine or if your child will be using them.

Do plaque disclosing tablets stain teeth permanently?

No, plaque disclosing tablets do not stain your teeth permanently. The harmless dyes in these tablets temporarily color the dental plaque, not the tooth enamel, and the stains can be easily removed with a normal brushing routine. If any dye is left behind on your lips or tongue, it will also wash away over time.

Can disclosing tablets help improve brushing technique?

Yes. When you chew a plaque disclosing tablet, the dye dissolves and spreads throughout your mouth, selectively adhering to any plaque present on your teeth and coloring it brightly. This temporary staining highlights areas with plaque buildup, allowing you to target those spots to improve your brushing and flossing techniques for a more effective clean.

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