Flossing

Flossing should be started when your child is around 2 to 3, under the direction of your child's dentist. Prior to this age, flossing is not necessary. Children usually need assistance with flossing until they are 8 to 10.

How Boston Children's Hospital approaches flossing and dental hygiene

Children's believes that educating parents about dental hygiene, which includes flossing, shifts the focus from "drill and fill" to prevention. Man Wai Ng, MD, Children's dentist-in chief heads up one of the only quality improvement initiatives for pediatric dentistry in the country: redesigning the care delivery system based on the prevention and management of cavities. In addition to office-based treatments, her project includes educating parents and giving them self-management plans.