Flossing Children`s Teeth

[Trialanderror]

My son is a very energetic 4-year-old who will only stop talking and playing the second he falls asleep at night. There is no way I can ever floss more than one or two teeth per day if at all unless I put him in a gridlock or chase him around the house. Brushing is okay but his patience does not suffice for the full blast of oral hygiene. Unfortunately I can not floss while he is asleep because he clenches his jaws. He fully understands that flossing would be for his benefit but without the patience there is little success. And he never responded to sticker charts or bribing of any kind. I would be so happy to hear how other parents are tackling those challenges. Thank you.

[ChangedBaby]

And of course avoid the sweets; the soft drinks and the biscuits and cake etc.

If you haven't cleaned perfectly I think these are the worst culprits for causing damage.

In my days they painted the teeth black wiht silver nitrate and waited for them to rot out, then start again with the second set! Yuck

[Trialanderror]

Thanks, babyprayers. It is true, flossing should be in the same category as  wearing seat belts and brushing = just not up for negotiation. In hindsight I sometimes wonder if all those baby books are right suggesting you should make brushing, bathing, diaper changes fun. It turns out to be so much fun during infancy that the preschoolers suddenly feel it was all a game and is not to be taken seriously....

[taysmommy]

when did you start flossing his teeth? sorry to intrude on your post, but ive been brushing dds (15months) teeth since, well before she had them to get her in the habbit, she loves to brush, in fact she wants to brush her 6 teeth about 20 times a day lol, but i havent started flossing, and i was curious when is typical to get them in the routine?

[Trialanderror]

Sorry, I forgot: it is recommended actually to start flossing as soon as two teeth touch... So you might as well get started now, just in case...
I did not know that initially.

[Trialanderror]

That`s a good question, Taysmommy. Only at 3. I too introduced the toothbrush early on around 7 months, just for fun - and it was a bit of a struggle later on to make him understand that mommy is actually in charge of brushing. I let him brush by himself too many times. The need for flossing was discovered during a dental check-up at 2 1/2. I had not taken flossing seriously before. Wherever the toothbrush did its job, there was no problem but between the molars damage had been done and a truck load of repairs followed. Ever since that time we are trying to have a flossing routine but there is no consistency at all, simply because it almost makes him choke when I am trying to do the job. On good days he does not mind but when tired there is not a lot of cooperation.
You may not have to worry too much if your little one is not hooked on juice, though. This is likely how it started. I had tried to switch him directly from nursing to cow`s milk and alternatively water after his first year. However, the home daycare provider he stayed with since that age strongly believed that all kids need vitamin C from fruit juice. Within a short time he got hooked on it and it took me forever to cut down on his intake. We have almost completely switched to water by now but the damage that was initially done will haunt him for a long time. This is one area where I so wish I had put my foot down from the start. So, don`t worry but be vigilant.

[babyprayers]

to be honest with you, I showed my daughter pictures of cavities etc.. I also tell her over and over how pretty her smile is. but I think its different for a girl, they care more about how they look. I think maybe try telling him, this is not an option just as bathing or anything else. it is part of what you have to do and you dont have a choice., try punishment. take away something he likes, time out for a few moments. good luck to you.