In the Know for You to Know

**Looking At The Stars After Flossing And Brushing On Our Staycation**

Summer is here and everyone is excited about fun in the sun!

Summer time is busy for your family. With pool parties, bbq’s, ice cream treats, camp and summer vacations, it’s easy to let dental care slip. With our help you don’t have to.

We’ve put together for you our top tips for you to help your child’s teeth stay healthy all summer long.

STAY WITH YOUR ROUTINE

Brushing and flossing is just as important in the summer, especially with all the icy sugary treats to keep cool.

Stay with your consistent daily routine and add a twist.

Do something fun while brushing to keep your child’s attention long enough for you to brush all their teeth.
Brush and floss together and have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite tunes.
Pack a sticker chart for a fun daily tooth brushing reminder and,
Look for your child’s favorite flavor toothpaste or toothbrush and flossers with their favorite character for camp.

WHAT ABOUT BOTTLES AND SIPPY CUPS?

During your travels breast feeding, bottles and sippy cups may be good for comforting your child. However falling asleep with anything in their mouth increases your baby and toddler’s risk for cavities.

Keep a wash cloth handy in your bag or carry-on to wipe their mouth and teeth.

KEEP YOUR TRAVELING DENTAL KIT HANDY

Put together a dental kit for your travels whether you’re taking a car trip, a plane trip, or sending your child to summer camp.

Pack a kit and a spare (or 2) with floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, fluoride rinse for everyone.
Remember to keep it on you in a carry-on bag so it’s easily accessible.

HEALTHY SUMMER SNACKS

Special foods are fun when eaten along with tooth friendly options like fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, and dairy.

Choose fresh fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery which provide essential vitamins and also help clean teeth.
Same for cheese and yogurt (without added jellies, jams or crunchies).

These snacks are high in calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.

STAY HYDRATED, CHOOSE WATER

Juice boxes and cans of soda may be convenient, but the soda and fruit juices don’t quench thirst for long and even make children thirstier.

Plus the sugars in those beverages weaken the outermost tooth layer (aka enamel) causing teeth to look dingy and increases the risk of cavities.

Why Water?

Water is refreshing.
It’s best for keeping your child hydrated and for helping to keep their teeth healthy.
Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria and,
Keeps saliva flowing which is essential for helping prevent cavities.

POOL’S RULES

Everyone loves the pool. With so much excitement, so many people, and water splashing everywhere there’s always a chance for a slip, a fall, and potential tooth injury.

It’s important to follow the pool’s rules about diving, diving boards, jumping into the pool and running poolside.

No one wants to leave the pool to go to the dentist because of a tooth accident. Stay safe and follow the rules.

SMILE PROTECTOR

Summer means being outside more. This is the time to have fun swimming, biking, skate boarding, riding their scooter, or playing sports.

However, this fun can sometimes lead to a dental accident.

It’s important to make sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing sports and other physical activities.

This one step can help protect their teeth from potential injuries.

ENJOY YOUR CHILD’S HEALTHY SUMMER SMILES!

While you’re on summer vacation your child’s teeth aren’t. Following these tips helps you stay on track with their dental health.

What is your family looking forward to doing most this summer? What is your child’s most favorite must have snack?, Most asked for drink? and Their most asked for summer food? What are your favorite summer family traditions? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook