When to floss toddlers teeth?

[NotBehindTheRadiatorPlease]

Hi all. I am so confused as to when I should start flossing my DD'S teeth! I know you should start brushing them when the first tooth emerges, but I can't seem to find a consensus on when you should start flossing.

My DD is 21 months and we brush her teeth twice a day, but haven't flossed yet. Looking online, some sources say when two teeth touch, some say 2/3 years, and then some say not until they have adult teeth!?

When did you start flossing your kid's teeth? Thanks

Two year olds teeth even!

Basically I would wait for your dentist to advise

Generally I wouldnt advise till all the adult teeth are through at around 12-14. Unless there is obvious plaque build up, gingival inflammation or crowding.

However if a child is at a higher risk of decay or shows early enamel decay or interdental decay I would advise flossing between their molar teeth as soon as they are through or I identified an issue. Generally though good diet and good brushing should suffice for baby teeth. At the end of the day you arent going to cause any damage by flossing too early, its just difficult and a bit unecessary in a 2 year old.

If someone has healthy gums and closed gaps then I would recommend flossing over interdental brushes as ID brushes can traumatise the gums, I have never met a gap I couldnt floss! Or if someone has mobility issues like arthritis they might get on better with ID brushes. Theres lots of factors which is why its best to ask your dentist.

I wasnt aware dentist could only do emergencies in tier 4?

[quote NotBehindTheRadiatorPlease]@Jinglingandnotmingling where did I say she only has two teeth?[/quote]
You said at 17.30 “ All written by dentists, but some say when they have two teeth”

Flossing!?! I need advice on how to brush my toddler teeth!! He hates it and I dread it!!!

[quote NotBehindTheRadiatorPlease]@Tyranttoddler I know right? I thought I was asking a fairly innocuous question but people seem utterly outraged by it. Bizarre.[/quote]
I think op was walking about you

talking*

Your posts now makes more sense as you had poor oral hygiene as a child and therefore its harder for you to guage what is normal. It's unlikely that your teeth were so decayed because you didn't gloss as a child there must have been other things at play too. When you go the dentist children get a fluoride varnish which helps to protect their teeth and in most areas fluoride is added to the tap water to improve dental health.

DD started to floss when she was 10 and old enough to do it (and want to do it) herself. She also had most of her adult teeth at this age but alot of children still have lots of baby teeth. She used mouthwash from about 5 or 6. I don't enforce either, I modeled doing both in front of her and she picked it up, her teeth are perfect with no fillings etc.

My dentist showed me how to floss dd teeth every week when she was 3. Haven’t done it but I know how and that some dentists think it’s important to start good habits early.

Four kids, never glossed them or me. All have perfect teeth. I'm giggling at the memory of at least two of them trying to clean their teeth, let alone flossing. Good luck. Maybe lion taming would be easier

Glassed?? FLOSSED obviously!!

My dentist laughed at me when I asked the same question.Wait until mid to late teens.