Kids floss with handle
Easy for grown-ups to use during finishing brushing. It helps to learn how from a dentist first.
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Flossers for kids: when to start and how to choose kids floss picks
Once a child’s teeth start to touch each other, many grown-ups wonder whether it is time to floss, and whether regular floss or kids flossers are easier.
This guide covers when to start, what to look for when choosing flossers for kids, and simple ways to make flossing part of the bedtime routine. Ages here are rough guides; your dentist can tell you what fits your child.
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How to choose flossers for kids
- Handle: a longer handle is easier for grown-ups to hold while flossing a child’s teeth
- Head size: a small head fits small mouths and back teeth more easily
- Floss type: thin, smooth floss slides between tight teeth more gently
- Flavor: a mild flavor (or none) can help kids who dislike strong tastes
- Age range: check the age guidance on the package
When should kids start flossing?
A common guide is to start when two teeth touch each other, because a toothbrush cannot reach between them. For many children this happens with the back baby teeth, but it varies.
If you are not sure whether your child’s teeth are touching, ask at your next dental checkup. Many dentists are happy to show you how to floss your child’s teeth.
How grown-ups can floss a child’s teeth
Kids usually need a grown-up to floss for them for a long time. Letting them try on their own first and then finishing for them can keep the routine friendly.
- Have your child lie down with their head in your lap, like for a final brushing check
- Slide the floss gently between the teeth; do not snap it into the gums
- Curve the floss along the side of each tooth and move it up and down
- Start with just the back teeth, then add more as your child gets used to it
When your child does not like flossing
In our home, our child gets to put a sticker on a calendar after brushing every night, and seeing the stickers add up makes the routine easier to keep going.
- Keep it short: one or two spaces a night is a fine start
- Let your child pick the flosser color
- Use a sand timer or a song so they can see when it ends
- Praise what went well instead of focusing on what was missed
Toothbrushing sand timer
A 2–3 minute sand timer for days without the phone or when traveling. It can sit by the sink.
Brushing still comes first
Flossing works together with brushing. A toothbrush that fits your child’s mouth and a grown-up check at the end are still the core of the routine.
If you notice bleeding, pain, or anything that worries you, talk to your dentist rather than trying to judge it at home.
Kids toothbrush (favorite character or color)
Picking it themselves makes brushing “their own thing”. Choose a head size that suits their age.
Finishing toothbrush for parents
Long handle and small head make it easy for a grown-up to reach the back teeth.
Turn brushing into an island adventure
Hamigaki Island is a kids app: during a two-minute brushing adventure, a boat sails around six islands, and lost baby teeth open new places to explore.
See brushing goods by worry →