It’s hard to realize summer is almost here! This new season brings with it a lot of excitement as well as a shift in our schedules. However, an increase in outdoor activities, travel, and sports does not mean we can relax our dental health routines. In fact, summer can be a fantastic time to assist your children to practice behaviors that will keep their teeth healthy all year! Continue reading for some short recommendations on how to keep your family’s smiles bright this summer and beyond.
1. Maintain a routine
It’s easy to neglect your dental health over the summer. However, as your children’s summer routines change, make sure their oral health remains on track. Consider creating a colorful chart to track morning and evening brushing as well as daily flossing to help you stick to a schedule. Determine what plan and/or rewards work best for your family and stick to it to help lessen the likelihood of future dental difficulties.
2. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
It can be tempting to take convenient on-the-go snacks like chips, fruit snacks, animal crackers, and cookies when you’re going to the park or resting at the beach or pool. Though convenient and time-saving, these options contain a lot of added sugars, which can lead to tooth damage and cavities over time. Instead, pack apple pieces, cheese cubes, grapes, and nuts to keep your kids engaged throughout the day.
When it comes to beverages, water is always the finest choice. Though children like the sweetness of juice and sports drinks, they also include a lot of unwanted sugars that will stick to your child’s teeth all day and begin to eat away at the enamel. Furthermore, if your children are running around and being active, they must stay hydrated, and water is the best way to replenish fluids. Bring water with you wherever you go, and leave the sugary drinks for special occasions and in moderation.
3. Accept mouth guards!
If your child participates in a summer sport, make sure they have mouth protection. Sports injuries frequently result in broken or chipped front teeth, fractured tooth roots, and cut lips (and these injuries can be significantly worse if your child wears braces!). By always advocating the usage of a mouth guard during contact sports such as football or soccer, you can help prevent these injuries.
4. Make your children’s back-to-school appointments.
The fall seems to age away once school is out. However, the sooner you schedule your child’s back-to-school visit, the more appointment times will be available and you’ll be able to secure a day that works best for your schedule. Remember to call and schedule all upcoming dental visits for your family before the summer becomes too busy!
If you have any concerns regarding your family’s oral health, our Premier Periodontics staff is always ready to assist.
