Flossing is a key part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. However, many people don’t realize that it is just as important for their children’s baby teeth as it is for adult teeth. Dr. Stuart Scott and his pediatric team encourage daily flossing for all of our patients to reduce the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Today, Dr. Scott’s team will discuss exactly why it is that flossing is so important for your child.
Building Good Dental Habits Leads to a Life of Healthy Smiles
Forming the habit of daily flossing when your child is young helps instill the importance of a healthy dental routine that can last a lifetime. If you wait until your child’s adult teeth emerge to teach them to floss, it is more likely that they will not remain consistent in their oral health habits. Inconsistent flossing can lead to major dental problems down the line, so teach your children the importance at a young age.
It Will Protect Your Child’s Gums and Jaw
The biggest fallacy that comes with educating parents on flossing is that it is less important to establish regular flossing habits since baby teeth are going to fall out anyway. While it is true their baby teeth are temporary, the gums and jaw are permanent. Flossing is the number one dental routine for improving and maintaining gum health. Ignoring habitual flossing can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis — even at an early age. Dr. Scott and the team and the pediatric team can tell you that without flossing, gums can become inflamed and infected, leading to a whole host of oral development problems.
Tooth Decay Still Causes Problems in Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are just as susceptible to decay as adult teeth. Although they will eventually fall out, cavities can still cause a host of issues for your child. First, cavities in baby teeth still are painful. Cavities can still cause damage to your child’s root pulp, which can lead to much more complicated problems for your child. As much as we enjoy seeing our patients, we certainly don’t want your child to have to visit our pediatric office because of tooth pain.
Visit the Pediatric Dentistry Office of Dr. Stuart Scott Today
If you would like help teaching your child the correct way to floss, or if they are experiencing tooth decay, contact the pediatric office of Dr. Stuart Scott at Parkcrest Dental Group. Dr. Stuart Scott and his team are dedicated to ensuring that your child develops a healthy, happy smile. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call 417-887-1220 to learn more.
