Dental tips for kids during Summer break

The summer sun ushers in a season of fun. The blend of warm weather, a break from homework, and extra free time provides endless opportunities for enjoyment. However, the freedom and excitement of summer can sometimes disrupt daily routines. Despite the change in schedule, maintaining healthy dental habits is crucial. Here are five excellent tips to keep your child’s teeth healthy throughout the summer.

Stick to a Regular Brushing and Flossing Routine

During the school year, established routines make it easier to remember daily brushing and flossing. In contrast, summer’s flexible schedules can make it harder to maintain these habits, yet they remain essential. Neglecting oral hygiene can quickly lead to issues like cavities and gum disease. Whether your child is traveling, spending time with friends and family, or just relaxing at home, ensure they continue a regular brushing and flossing routine.

To keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy, ensure they brush every morning and night and floss at least once a day. Incorporate these tasks into a list of simple daily chores, such as making the bed and putting away laundry. For younger children, you can create a tooth care calendar, and for older kids, set up phone reminders to help them stay on track.

Water is best, Over Sugary and Sports Beverages

The warm weather prompts increased sweating, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated during hot and humid days. When your kids are thirsty, prioritize offering them water over alternatives like juice, soda, or sports drinks, which are often laden with sugar. Sugar, when combined with natural mouth bacteria, produces acid that can erode tooth enamel, leading to decay.

Water not only contributes to overall physical health but also plays a vital role in oral hygiene. It keeps the mouth hydrated and aids in diluting acids from food and beverages, thereby reducing the risk of cavities. Opting for water instead of sugary drinks or sports beverages can significantly contribute to preventing dental issues.

Offer healthy snack options

The summer heat often makes ice cream and fizzy sodas irresistible. While an occasional sweet treat is fine, limiting sugary snacks and drinks will help protect your child’s teeth. Sugar interacts with mouth bacteria to form plaque, which can lead to cavities. A healthy diet is essential for good dental health, and foods that benefit your child’s body will also benefit their teeth!

Here are some tips to encourage healthy eating:

Opt for Tooth-Friendly Foods: Choose fresh fruits, vegetables with hummus, string cheese, yogurt, whole-grain crackers, and plain nuts.
Make Healthy Snacks Accessible:
Store fruits and vegetables in ready-to-eat bags in an easy-to-reach snack drawer.
Keep washed fruit in a bowl on the counter for easy access.
Involve Your Child: Let them help with meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. Kids are more likely to eat what they help prepare.
Choose Healthy On-the-Go Snacks: Remember to pick nutritious options even when you’re out and about.

Click here for more information on food that is good for healthy teeth

Be Ready for Dental Emergencies

Whether your child is engaged in summer camp activities or simply enjoying their free time outdoors, it’s likely they’ll be playing outside. While outdoor games and sports are excellent for physical activity and soaking up vitamin D, they also elevate the risk of dental emergencies. If your child participates in contact sports, ensure they have a properly fitted mouthguard to minimize the chance of tooth damage or loss.

Should your child exhibit any of the following signs or symptoms indicating a potential dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately:

Chipped or cracked teeth
Loose or dislodged permanent teeth
Persistent bleeding or swelling
Severe jaw pain

Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, even during vacations. Therefore, it’s wise to prepare for such situations. If you’re traveling this summer, consider packing a well-equipped dental emergency kit. Here’s what it should contain: