As a parent, you already know brushing is important, but what about flossing? Many families aren’t sure when to introduce it, how to do it properly, or whether it’s even necessary for young children.
The truth is: flossing plays a vital role in keeping children’s teeth and gums healthy. Introducing it early not only prevents dental problems but also sets the foundation for lifelong oral hygiene.
Children should start flossing as soon as two teeth touch, usually between ages two and six. Flossing removes plaque brushing can’t reach, preventing gum disease and cavities. At Dr Mali Dental Clinic in Fulham, our specialist paediatric team helps children learn safe, effective flossing habits early on.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic in Fulham, we specialise in preventive children’s dentistry, helping families build positive habits through gentle guidance and expert education.
Flossing is just as important for children as it is for adults, sometimes even more so.
Brushing removes plaque from the outside surfaces of teeth, but it cannot reach between the teeth or under the gumline. That’s where flossing becomes essential.
Baby teeth may fall out, but the health of those teeth directly affects the growth and positioning of permanent teeth. That’s why flossing matters long before adult teeth appear.
Children should start flossing as soon as two teeth touch, typically between ages 2 and 6.
Every child develops differently, so this age varies, but the guiding principle is simple:
Parents should lead flossing until around age 8–10, when most children develop the coordination to floss effectively on their own.
At every check-up, our team at Dr Mali Dental Clinic checks for signs of plaque build-up, tight spaces, and early gum inflammation, all of which indicate that flossing is needed.
Teaching children to floss doesn’t need to be difficult. With a gentle, calm approach, it can become part of a predictable daily routine.
These make flossing easier for small mouths and little hands.
Avoid snapping, instead, guide the floss slowly into place.
This helps clean both sides of the tooth and under the gumline.
Move to a clean section of floss each time.
Praise effort, demonstrate patience, and build consistency.
During hygiene visits, our team demonstrates flossing techniques, giving both parents and children the confidence to continue at home.
Parents want the best for their children, but flossing can be confusing. These are the mistakes we see most often:
Early flossing prevents early decay, it’s much harder to correct problems later.
Cavities in baby teeth can spread, cause pain, and affect adult tooth positioning.
Children need gentle tools and a soft approach to protect their gums.
Effective flossing takes practice, children usually need help until age 8+.
Daily flossing gives the best protection against plaque and gum disease.
Flossing is just one part of a healthy smile. At our Fulham-based clinic, we support families with:
Learn more about our Children’s Dentistry and Preventive Dentistry for Children, where we focus on building strong, confident habits from the start.
Do baby teeth really need flossing?
Yes. Baby teeth can get cavities and gum problems just like adult teeth. Keeping them clean helps protect the future adult teeth underneath.
Should children floss before or after brushing?
Either is fine, the most important thing is to floss daily. Many families find flossing before brushing helps remove more plaque.
Are floss picks safe for children?
Yes, as long as they’re used gently. They’re often easier for both parents and children to handle.
How often should children floss?
Once a day is recommended by dental professionals and organisations such as the NHS.
My child’s gums bleed when flossing, is that normal?
Mild bleeding can happen when a child starts flossing, but it should stop within a week. If it continues, book an appointment so we can check for inflammation.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic, your child receives care from a highly trained specialist:
Dr Malihe Moeinian
DDS MSc MClinDent RCS (Edi) RCS (Eng) PhD
Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry
With advanced training at Barts and The London Dental Hospital and a PhD from Queen Mary University of London, Dr Mali brings deep expertise in:
Our clinic at 64 Fulham High Street, SW6 3LQ is dedicated exclusively to children’s dental care, offering a warm, calm environment designed to help little patients feel safe and confident.
If you’d like help teaching your child to floss, or want professional guidance on establishing healthy habits, we’re here to support you.
Call 020 8050 5411 or visit our Contact page to book your child’s next appointment.
Healthy habits start with small steps, and flossing early is one of the most important.
Fields with (*) are required.
Please contact us via this website or email without disclosing confidential information.
