In the Know for You to Know

Summer’s here and everyone is excited to have 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 slide a little.

With our help you don’t have to. We’ve put together our top tips to help you keep your children’s teeth healthy all summer long.

Tip #1 – Stay With Your Routine

While you may be on summer vacation your children’s teeth aren’t.

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.

During your travels bottles and sippy cups may be good for comforting your child. However falling asleep with either one in their mouth greatly increases your little one’s risk for cavities.

Tip #2 – Keep A Traveling Dental Kit On Hand

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

This is what you’ll need in your kit:

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

Tip #3 – Stay Hydrated, Drink 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 Drink 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.

Tip #4 – Enjoy Healthy Summer Snacks

Special foods are fun to look forward to and even more fun to eat.

Whether you’re home or away consider eating the fun stuff along with tooth friendly options like fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, and dairy.

What To 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 helps strengthen tooth enamel.

Tip #5 – Follow The 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.

Tip #6 – Remember Their Smile Protector

Summer means long days being outside. It’s 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.

Tip #7 – Have Fun And Enjoy Your Children’s Endless Summer Smiles!

What To Remember

Summer is filled with fun, sports, extra sweet treats, and changes in routine. While this makes for a memorable time, they can also increase the risk of cavities, toothaches, and other unexpected dental concerns.

By staying consistent with dental habits and dental care you can help protect your children’s smiles all summer long.

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

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!