Primary teeth often have space between them, which is normal. When children are between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, their teeth begin touching each other. Parents should check their child's teeth from time to time to see if any teeth are touching. Once a child has two teeth that are touching each other, it is important to begin flossing once a day. Any place that is difficult to reach with a toothbrush should be flossed.

Parents should use dental floss to dislodge and remove food debris from between their child's teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. As with toothbrushing, young children are not coordinated enough to floss their teeth effectively. Parents should floss their child's teeth until the child is about 9 years old.

Many parents floss their child's teeth after brushing or as they are putting the child to bed. It can be easier to floss when the child is lying down. The parent can place the child's head on a pillow, and ask him or her to “open wide.” Or the child can lie down with his or her head in the parent's lap.

Performance Standards

1304.40(f)(2)(iii)

References

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Clinical Affairs Committee, Infant Oral Health Subcommittee. 2004. Guideline on Infant Oral Health Care. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_InfantOralHealthCare.pdf

American Dental Association, Division of Communications. 2002. Baby's First Teeth. Chicago, IL: American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_11.pdf