floss

5 Tips for Getting Your Child to Floss

November 14th, 2019

We all know we should floss, but sometimes it's easier said than done.  That can go double for kids, since doing any kind of boring chore, even for a long-term gain like healthy teeth, seems so far off.

But keeping your kid cavity-free is an important part of dental health. Here are five tips for getting your child to floss every day.

  • Make flossing a regular part of your routine. If your kids do things like read a story every night, then add flossing to the list of stuff that needs to get done before bedtime.
  • Create a rewards chart. Simple rewards charts can motivate kids to do chores consistently. Have a fun prize at the end of the month for filling the chart, like a family game night or a trip to a favorite park.
  • Try kid flossers. Sometimes using the standard dental floss is hard for little fingers. You can buy brightly colored kids' flossers to make it easier to reach back teeth.
  • Play "floss" music. The floss dance is a strange, but fun, kids' dance craze. Leverage that by playing "floss" music where the kids floss their teeth first, then do the floss for you.
  • Lead by example. Make it family floss time by flossing together with your kids. When they see you have to do it too, then it's more likely they'll follow.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

When to Start Flossing Your Toddler

May 20th, 2019

Brushing your baby's teeth should occur once that first tooth emerged, but what about flossing?

Just like brushing, flossing can technically start happening as soon as a baby has multiple teeth in their smile.  The true reason to floss, though, is to clean the spaces in between teeth, which doesn't need to happen until the child's teeth starts to move closer together.  Most kids should start flossing sometime during their toddler or preschool years.  It's crucial during this time to keep an eye on how close their teeth are.  Preventing cavities in even baby teeth is good for dental health, so you don't want to start too late.

If you're one of our patients, we will work with you to help you decide the right time to start flossing your child.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

The Five Ws (and one H) of Flossing

April 2nd, 2018

Prevention is the best kind of medicine, and flossing is a great tool in your dental health tool belt.  Let's go over the basic questions of flossing:

  • Who should floss?  Everyone, of course!  Even kids.
  • Why should kids floss?  Because food and other bacteria can get stuck between a child's teeth, and over time, that can cause tooth decay and loss.
  • What should kids floss with?  Either disposable flossers or regular floss works fine.
  • When should kids start flossing?  Once their teeth touch each other.  This can even happen with your child's baby teeth.
  • Where should kids floss?  Make sure your kids floss along each sides of the tooth.  You're trying to remove food particles where your brush can't reach.
  • How often should kids floss?  We recommend once per day.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to take care of all your children's dental needs.  If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

When to Start Flossing your Child

August 17th, 2013

Lots of parents know to start brushing as soon as their infant's teeth emerge, but what about flossing?  We receive many questions about when it's time to start flossing your child.

As a rule of thumb, you should floss your infant or toddler once the space between their teeth become close enough that simple brushing won't remove food particles.  This time can vary from child to child.  Being proactive about brushing your child's teeth twice a day will help you identify when the exact time is right for your child.  If you're not sure, you can always visit Northwest Children's Dentistry for an evaluation.

On the same token, it doesn't hurt to "practice flossing" so that your child is used to the process even at an early age.  You can floss your child's teeth even with large gaps once a week just so they're used to the sensation.  This can help smooth the transition when they should be flossing every day.

As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to help you understand all aspects of your child's dental care.  Feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

general dentistry for kids in TucsonDr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!

Flossing Your Toddler

January 5th, 2013

You may not realize it, but your toddler's got a smile that needs flossing.  You should begin flossing your child no later than when he/she has two teeth that are close enough together that a brush can't reach between the teeth.  Those trouble spots are more likely to form cavities if food gets stuck between them.

So how should you floss a toddler?  The same way adults floss: ideally after every meal or at least once a day.  You can use the same floss you use for yourself, or you can buy disposable floss picks that make it easier to get in and out of a squirming toddler.

As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to help your child avoid cavities through proper dental hygiene.  Call us today if you have any questions about how to floss your toddler.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

general dentistry for kids in TucsonDr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!