The right time to start is not tied to a birthday. Begin cleaning between your child's teeth when two neighboring teeth touch and a toothbrush can no longer clean the space between them.
Look for teeth that touch
Some children have spaces between most of their baby teeth. Others develop tight contacts early. Check where the sides of two teeth meet, especially toward the back of the mouth.
When the teeth touch, use floss or another interdental cleaner once a day. If you cannot tell whether a space needs flossing, ask the dental team to point it out at your child's next visit.
Plan to help for a while
Flossing takes more hand control than brushing. Younger children usually need an adult to do it for them. ADA patient guidance notes that many children can take over around age 10 or 11, but ability matters more than age.
Keep helping until your child can clean both sides of every touching tooth without skipping contacts or snapping the floss into the gums.
A gentle way to floss
- Ease the floss between the teeth with a gentle rubbing motion.
- Curve it into a C shape against one tooth.
- Move it carefully up and down along the side of that tooth.
- Repeat against the neighboring tooth before moving to the next space.
- Use a clean section as you move through the mouth, and discard the floss after use.
If a spot continues to hurt or bleed, or you cannot pass the floss gently, stop and ask the dentist to look at it.
String floss is not the only option
Pre-threaded flossers and floss holders can be easier for small mouths or busy hands. Interdental brushes and water flossers are useful in some situations too, but the fit depends on the spaces between the teeth and whether the child has a dental appliance.
Choose a tool that fits comfortably and that your family can use consistently. A dental visit is a good time to ask for a demonstration.
Before or after brushing?
Either order is fine when both steps are done thoroughly. Some families floss before brushing; others add it to the end of the evening routine. The most useful time is the one you can repeat each day.
Two questions parents often ask
Do I need to floss every baby tooth?
Focus on the places where two teeth touch. Open spaces that a toothbrush can clean do not need to be treated like tight contacts. Ask the dental team to show you the areas that need daily cleaning.
What if my child will not stay still?
Keep the attempt brief and gentle. A floss holder may make positioning easier. If you are struggling, pause rather than forcing the floss and ask the dental team to demonstrate a comfortable position.
Want help checking your child's technique?
Bring the floss or floss holder you use at home to the next dental visit. To make an appointment with Seahorse Kids Dental, call (310) 596-1111.
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a dentist who has examined your child.
Sources and provenance
- American Dental Association, Dental Floss and Interdental Cleaners.
- American Dental Association MouthHealthy, Flossing.
- American Dental Association MouthHealthy, Healthy Habits for Babies and Kids.