Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles

Summer sun brings summer fun! Though summer vacations are great for spending quality time with your near and dear ones, they can throw you off your dental routine. 

Here are the 3 great ways to stop tooth decay during summer:

Stay on a routine

Resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime or let it slide to the next morning. It’s vital to consistently brush and floss during the summer. It also keeps the kids on track for back-to-school dental visits.

No matter how eventful the coming months become, make sure that your family is brushing twice a day for two minutes with a good quality fluoride toothpaste. Easy things like brushing calendars will help everyone to stay on track over the summer. Plus, it’s also an opportunity to spend more time together. Brushing alongside your children for 2 minutes, twice a day for the three months of summer gives you 6 extra hours together, so make the most of them! 

And don’t forget to clean between those teeth once every day. You should be flossing between any two teeth that touch. Many children don’t have the motor skills to floss until they’re over ten years old. If your child needs help, try different types of interdental cleaners or place your hands over theirs to guide them and get the job done at the same time.

Say no to sugary drinks and snacks 

As the temperature rises, it’s common for families to sip and snack during sports tournaments, festivals, or nearly any community event. Watch your family’s intake of lemonade, juice, and soda. Consider sugary drinks a once-in-a-while treat. Instead, drink water to beat the heat, or milk to drink with meals. Don’t let summer grazing damage your smile. Taking a break from snacking is also healthy for your teeth. It allows time for saliva to coat the teeth, wash away leftover food, and make them stronger.

If you discover yourself spending more time home, snack smarter, and let your kids tell you when they’re hungry rather than providing snacks throughout the day. Kids are not afraid to let you know when they want something to eat!

Make your back-to-school dental visit early 

Some schools need back-to-school dental visits for certain grades, and these check-ups can be a good way to ensure that your child’s teeth stay healthy. It’s a good plan to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental appointment early within the summer to avoid the rush and ensure you get the appointment time that works best for you. Visiting the dentist regularly can help your child’s smile stay healthy all year long.