Dental Safety Tips for your Kids this Summer

School is out, and your kids are probably having a great time in the sun this summer. But how can you keep your child’s smile healthy over the summer months while they still indulge in lemonade, ice cream & other sugary treats? Unfortunately, many teens and tweens skip dental hygiene during the summer, making it more difficult to keep cavities at bay. 

But with a few quick tips, parents can guarantee that their children take proper care of their teeth and have a fun summer as well: 

• Give your child’s sweet or gummy vitamins with breakfast each morning. Nuts and yogurt also strengthen the surface of a tooth, so satisfy your child’s sweet tooth with such nutritious meals. 
• Include apples, pears, yogurt and other dairies in the diet, to balance out the acidity in foods like tomatoes and lemons. 

• While swimming, make sure your children keep their mouths shut, and wash their teeth softly afterward. 
• Have your kids drink sugary liquids with a straw, in order to avoid direct contact with teeth enamel. 
• Encourage kids to drink enough water, to keep the teeth clean & bacteria at bay throughout the day. 

Dental essentials during the summer: 

Are you planning a summer vacation? Ensure your children have all the necessary dental supplies, such as a travel toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. 

Continue your dental routine: 

Your children should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss once a day. Although your child may have followed this schedule diligently during the school year, you may need to remind them more frequently during the summer vacation! Brushing and flossing regularly will ensure the removal of harmful microorganisms from your teeth and gums. 

Healthy snacks: 

Summer spells sweet goodies, but you and your children should avoid sugary foods and beverages and only indulge on rare occasions. Sugar consumption is harmful to your teeth and overall health. 

Choose healthy snacks such as string cheese, whole-grain crackers, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other items instead that does not contain too much sugar. Carbonated beverages and acidic liquids can wear down dental enamel. 

Ensure to carry a dental safety kit: 

In the summer, it’s better to be prepared for dental emergencies. If your child participates in sports, make sure they wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to reduce the chance of tooth injury or loss. Take an emergency dental care kit on vacation with you. The AGD recommends having a handkerchief, gauze, a small container with a cover, and ibuprofen in your pack. 

Summertime can put your kid’s dental health at risk. However, following these summer dental health practices, can help your children begin the school year with excellent oral hygiene.  

For more tips and techniques to keep your kid’s summer oral hygiene on track, visit us at Bravo Dental or call us at 1-888-682-7286.