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How to Get Your Child to Floss More

Let’s face it- getting your child to consistently commit to flossing their teeth can be a challenge. We know how important it is in preventing gingivitis, cavities, plaque buildup, receding gums in kids and other important oral issues. But when they don’t necessarily understand the benefits and remain stubborn to flossing, there are some tips and tricks you can use to get them to do it more often.

Turn it into a Game

Childrens’ imaginations are always running wild. The options are endless for what kind of story you can make up to get your child to floss their teeth. Maybe pretend that the cavities are the “bad guys” and the floss is the “superhero” and they have to floss their teeth to protect against the bad guys. Maybe instead of playing “the floor is lava”, you can play “in between your teeth are lava,” and the floss is the only thing that gets the “lava” out. Getting creative can turn flossing from a boring task to a fun game.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are plenty of flossing songs on YouTube and other music streaming applications that have your child floss, dance and sing along. If they love to sing and dance, this could be a great way to get them to floss. A vibrant, upbeat song can get them excited and motivated to clean their teeth. There are even some apps such as brushDJ and Toothsavers that make brushing and flossing fun for children.

Put a Reward System in Place

If your child responds well to rewards, this could be a great hack for getting them to floss more. Perhaps every time they floss they get a sticker, and when they reach a certain amount of stickers they receive a small toy or prize. If they have siblings, it can even be turned into a competition to see who can receive the most stickers the fastest. This way, children who are too young to understand the benefits of flossing will still be extrinsically motivated to do so.

Let Them Choose Their Floss Product

There are so many different floss items on the market. Letting your child choose the color, scent, brand, or type of it can make it feel personalized to them and get them excited about flossing. Actively going to the store and picking out a product can make flossing feel special, and they might be more inclined to want to use it.

Have Their Dentist Show Them How to Floss

Our dentists are expertly trained in helping children have proper oral hygiene. If you are looking for a Dentist in Irving, Fort Worth, or Farmers Branch for your child, our dentists are the perfect fit to help show your child how to floss effectively. Our fun and inviting office atmosphere will make your child feel comfortable and excited to learn more about how to keep their teeth clean.

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You can play a part in preparing your child for his or her first visit to our office. Informing your child of the visit as an exciting experience for both of you can ease any hesitations. As a parent try to act relaxed, since your child may sense any anxiety on your part.

Explain to your child that the doctor will “count, brush, and maybe take pictures of their teeth”. We also ask that you assume the role of a silent observer. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor, staff, and your child and not through you. Your child may become confused if receiving instructions from multiple sources.

We recommend bringing your baby in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing (whichever comes first). During this appointment, we will examine your baby’s mouth to track their dental development and discuss age-appropriate dental care.

It’s easy to make appointments to visit our office online or over the phone. Rio Dental sees patients both for checkups and dental emergencies. Using our online scheduler, you can select the location and time slot that works best for you for either type of appointment. If you have any questions regarding our practice, or simply prefer to make your appointment with a live member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call!

Rio Dental Group accepts most PPO insurances. We recommend that new patients and returning patients with new insurance policies reach out to us before their appointment to confirm coverage. Our Fort Worth location also sees patients who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs.

We don’t like surprises, either! Our staff is prepared to discuss the cost of dental services before you undergo treatment so that you know what to expect in terms of fees. The cost of your services will be due at the end of your appointment. Our office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Rio Dental Group allows patients to pay with their CareCredit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed to cover out-of-pocket costs at over 225,000 providers nationwide. After leaving the office, card holders will be able to make convenient monthly payments towards their balance. To learn more, visit the CareCredit website.

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