Updated Oct. 2025

The Family Struggle With Flossing

If you’re like most families, brushing your teeth twice a day is part of your regular routine—but flossing? That’s another story. Many parents admit that flossing can feel like a chore, especially when trying to convince kids to do it consistently. Yet flossing is one of the most important parts of maintaining healthy teeth and gums for life.

At Suburban Essex Dental in West Orange, NJ, Dr. Paul Feldman and the team often remind patients that brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the tooth’s surface. The other 40%—the tight spaces between teeth—can only be cleaned with floss. Without it, bacteria, plaque, and food particles can build up, leading to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

The good news? You can make flossing fun! When you turn oral care into a shared activity, it becomes less of a task and more of a family ritual. Here are some creative, dentist-approved ways to make flossing a part of your family’s daily routine.

1. Turn Flossing Into a Family Event

Kids mimic what they see. When parents floss daily, children are much more likely to follow suit. Instead of telling your kids to floss, show them how it’s done—together!

Try setting a consistent time every night to brush and floss as a family, such as after dinner or right before bed. You can:

• Have a flossing race. See who can finish properly and neatly first (with supervision for younger kids).
• Make silly faces in the mirror. Challenge everyone to floss while making their funniest expressions.
• Play a short upbeat song. Pick a two-minute tune to make sure everyone spends enough time cleaning their teeth.

These small games make the process enjoyable and help kids associate oral hygiene with laughter instead of resistance.

2. Create a Flossing Chart for Family Accountability

Accountability can turn good intentions into lasting habits. Kids love seeing their progress, and a visual reminder can make a big difference.

Create a flossing chart on your bathroom wall or print one online. Add columns for each family member—yes, parents too! Each time someone flosses, they get to place a sticker or color in a square. When everyone fills in a week’s worth of flossing, plan a small reward like a movie night or ice cream outing (followed by brushing, of course).

This system not only motivates kids but also shows that dental hygiene is a family priority—not just something Mom and Dad talk about.

3. Choose the Right Flossing Tools

If traditional dental floss feels awkward or difficult to use, especially for small hands, there are child-friendly alternatives. Dr. Feldman often recommends trying:

• Floss picks or single-use flossers: These come in colorful designs and are much easier for kids to hold.
• Flavored floss: Bubblegum, mint, or even cinnamon flavors can make flossing more appealing.
• Water flossers: For older children and adults, a water flosser can be a fun, high-tech way to remove plaque using gentle water pressure.

The easier it is for kids to handle the tools, the more likely they’ll want to use them.

4. Combine Learning With Fun

Children are naturally curious—especially when it comes to their own bodies. You can take advantage of that curiosity to teach them why flossing matters.

Consider showing a short educational video about how cavities form or how floss removes hidden food particles. You can also use disclosing tablets from your dentist to show the spots that brushing misses. Seeing “germs” light up in bright colors makes the lesson both memorable and motivating.

You can even let your child pretend to be the “dentist” who checks everyone’s teeth after flossing. This playful role reversal gives them a sense of responsibility and makes them feel proud of their participation.

5. Keep Flossing Positive and Rewarding

Avoid turning flossing into a power struggle. Instead, praise effort over perfection. If your child misses a night or struggles to floss properly, stay encouraging. Remind them that good habits take practice.

Positive reinforcement works wonders—try offering a fun incentive system like:

• A “Super Smiles” certificate for a week of consistent flossing
• Extra bedtime story for flossing without being reminded
• Stickers or tokens that add up to a bigger reward

By celebrating progress, you’ll help kids build confidence and consistency in their dental hygiene routine.

6. Schedule Regular Family Dental Visits

Making flossing a family activity should go hand-in-hand with regular checkups. Visiting your dentist every six months keeps everyone’s smiles healthy and allows your dentist to track progress, especially for younger children learning proper technique.

At Suburban Essex Dental, Dr. Paul Feldman and his friendly team specialize in family dentistry, providing a welcoming environment for both kids and adults. During your visits, they can:

• Demonstrate the best way to floss based on your family’s needs
• Recommend age-appropriate dental products
• Identify any areas that may need extra attention

Regular dental checkups not only prevent problems but also reinforce that oral health is a lifelong family value.

7. Address Common Flossing Complaints

If your child complains that flossing hurts or causes bleeding, don’t give up. Mild discomfort may happen at first, especially if gums are inflamed from lack of flossing. However, consistent care quickly improves gum health.

Tips to make flossing more comfortable include:

• Using waxed or soft floss to glide smoothly between teeth
• Flossing gently instead of snapping the floss
• Rinsing with warm salt water after flossing to soothe gums

If discomfort persists, ask Dr. Feldman’s team for a quick demonstration. Often, a simple adjustment in technique can make flossing pain-free and effective.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Every small victory counts—especially with kids. Whether it’s a week of consistent flossing or a cavity-free dental visit, make a big deal out of it! Take a family selfie with your brightest smiles or plan a fun outing to celebrate your healthy habits.

Children thrive on encouragement, and when flossing is linked to positive memories, they’re far more likely to stick with it as they grow up.

Why Family Flossing Matters

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), failing to floss leaves behind up to 40% of bacteria in the mouth. Over time, this buildup leads to plaque, gum irritation, and tooth decay. By flossing daily as a family, you help everyone—from toddlers to teens—build healthy habits that prevent cavities and gum disease.

Flossing together also teaches children the importance of preventive care, teamwork, and accountability—lessons that extend far beyond oral health.

Make Oral Care a Family Tradition

Flossing doesn’t have to be boring or stressful. With the right mindset, tools, and encouragement, it can become one of your family’s favorite nighttime rituals.

If you’d like more personalized guidance, the team at Suburban Essex Dental in West Orange, NJ, led by Dr. Paul Feldman, is here to help. During your next visit, they can show your family the best flossing techniques, recommend products, and keep your smiles shining bright through every season.

Schedule your next dental checkup and cleaning today—because strong, healthy smiles start with family habits that last a lifetime!