What's the best way to floss a child's teeth? we're trying to make sure we floss our daughter's teeth daily, but are finding it incredibly difficult to do so. she hates it, won't sit still or keep her mouth open, and our hands seem too big to be able to r

Bend, It : Bend, it all depends on the age. Most children do not suffer from periodontal disease due to their level of good health. Brushing for two minutes twice a day while avoiding prolonged exposure to sugar is usually all a child needs to avoid disease. However, it’s a good idea to start a child flossing before they hit that age when they stop accepting your direction. If you can instill a lifetime habit of flossing, they will be that much healthier as an adult when periodontal disease is prevalent. Hope this is helpful, michael i. Wollock, dmd, agd fellow dentistry at suburban square 610-649-0313.

Hard to do: But necessary. Eye-hand coordination to floss usually isn't present 'till about age 10. But can't clean between teeth w toothbrush. Have daughter sit in your lap facing outward, tip head back, then floss her from behind. Another approach would be to use a water pik daily set on lowest setting. Fill 1/2 way w room temperature water, put tip into mouth, lean over sink, turn on.