Schools is almost out for the summer and the days are warming up! While summer means family vacations, outdoor BBQ’s and fun at the pool, it can also throw off your normal dental health routine. Below we’ve listed some ways you can stick to your routine and prevent tooth decay as you enjoy all the festivities summer has to offer.
As the weather heats up, it becomes easy to forgo the water and grab a carbonated sugary drink or a handful of candy as you head out the door. Sugar levels that matches the numbers found in soda can hide unexpectedly in juices and sports drinks. Be sure to keep an eye on the amount of lemonade and soda your family is consuming that, while tasty, can be detrimental to your dental health over time.
While the best substitute for these drinks are water, little steps can be taken like cutting down your child’s juice with water or by making the switch to flavored seltzer water. Sugary snacks can be replaced with healthy alternatives such as nuts and low sugar fruits such as blackberries or raspberries. For more great, healthy snack ideas, visit Snack Smarter from the American Dental Association.
It is imperative for you and your family to establish a healthy dental routine as the summer months become packed with trips and sports. It is much easier to establish these routines when your child is young, so they become a standard part of their day they don’t need to think about. Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes with a quality fluoride toothpaste along with flossing once a day is a simple and healthy routine to get your children into to give them a happy and healthy smile in all your summer photos.
If your child is still struggling to stay on routine, try a brushing calendar to keep them on track and make it a point to brush your teeth with your child to make sure their technique is good and they’re brushing for the full two minutes.
Avoid the August rush by scheduling your child’s back-to-school appointment in the early summer before your schedule gets too busy. Our caring dentists and support team can take care of any issues that may have come up over summer, so your child won’t miss a day of school. Visiting our office regularly can give you child a happy, healthy smile all year long.
If you would like to schedule your child’s end of summer visit, call our office today or fill out our online appointment request form on our website today.