Brushing alone will not be able to remove all the food debris and bacteria that can be found in between a child’s teeth. Flossing is a good supplemental activity to teach a child in order to keep their mouth clean and free from tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Our dentists recommend flossing at least once a day, ideally at bedtime. Continuing to floss can actually be a very effective treatment for the earliest stages of gum disease. You experience pain after flossing because you are beginning to clean and remove plaque from areas of the teeth and gums that weren’t exposed before. Talk to your dentist about other methods of treatment, such as a deep cleaning, which can remove the plaque buildup more quickly, and get you back to being healthy and pain-free once again. 
Plaque is the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Since plaque is always forming, it needs to be removed every day. Brushing removes plaque from tooth surfaces and around the gumline. Flossing breaks up plaque between teeth and under gums. Excessive plaque leads to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Periodontal disease is characterized by pockets in the gums that are red, swollen and bleed easily.
All in all, flossing helps remove bacteria, plaque, and food from between your teeth, and it reduces the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.