The "Candy Strategy" for a Cavity-Free Home

The takeaway for us parents? If we won’t lift a lid for chocolate, we definitely won't hunt through a junk drawer for dental floss.

To build a "flossing culture" at home, we have to remove the "friction." Here is how I use the "candy strategy" in my own home to keep my kids’ smiles healthy without the bedtime battle.

Don't hide the floss! If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind.

• The Pro Hack: Keep colorful flossers in a clear, open container right on the bathroom countertop. Seeing them triggers the brain to "grab and go" just like that bowl of candy.

• For the Aesthetic Parent: I keep flossers on my nightstand in a pedestalled votive candle holder. It looks like decor, but it’s there for those nights I’m too exhausted to get out of bed!

For many parents, the "bedtime routine" is a war zone. My favorite secret weapon? The Car Floss.

• Keep a bag of flossers in your center console. The ride home from school or soccer practice is the perfect time for kids to floss. They are strapped in, bored, and have nothing else to do. It’s stress-free and effective!

Who says flossing has to happen in the bathroom?

• The Kitchen Counter: I keep a clear bowl of flossers in the kitchen. You’d be surprised how often my family grabs one after a snack while waiting for the microwave to beep.

• The Homework Desk: For pre-teens, put a small container on their desk. Fidgeting with a flosser while studying is a great way to get the job done mindlessly.

As a dentist, I often get asked: “Is regular string floss better?” Technically, long string floss allows you to use a fresh section for every tooth, which is ideal if you have early gum disease. But for most kids (and busy parents!), the best floss is the one you actually use. If flossers make your life easier, use them! Consistency beats perfection every single time.

• For Toddlers: Let them "floss" your teeth first. Making it a game of "finding the hidden food" makes it less scary.

• For Pre-Teens: Appeal to their vanity! Remind them that flossing keeps their breath fresh for school - nobody wants "lunch breath" in the hallways.

Look around your home today: Where can you put a clear bowl of floss to make healthy habits "mindless".

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.