School is almost out for summer! Although it can be easy to fall out of healthy routines during these warm months, there are a few things you can do to make sure your kid stays right on track. Here, we’ve listed eight simple tricks that you can use to maintain your child’s oral health this season.
1. Offer healthy snacks.
When the summer comes, sugary sweets like ice cream and popsicles are everywhere! Unfortunately, this means your child’s teeth are at greater risk for cavities. To protect their oral health, try offering healthier alternatives instead. With a well-rounded diet of fruit, vegetables, dairy, and proteins, you can ensure they stay in good health all summer long.
2. Prepare a dental emergency kit.
It is always good for your child to have a kit for dental emergencies nearby—especially if they play sports. To be prepared for any emergency, your kit should include gauze, saline solution, over-the-counter pain medication, a small container (in case a tooth is knocked out), and the number for Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics.
3. Encourage safety at the pool.
One of the most common places children damage their teeth during the summer is at the pool—particularly when children run on the wet concrete. When you visit the pool, make sure your children always walk to the diving boards and strictly follow pool rules!
4. Give them water bottles.
Did you know that tap water typically contains fluoride, which fortifies your child’s dental enamel? Skip the sports drinks this summer and give them water instead—their teeth will thank you for it!
5. Replace their toothbrush.
According to the American Dental Association, you should replace your toothbrush once every three months. This ensures that your toothbrush is as effective as possible at cleaning your teeth of plaque and debris. If you’re not certain when you last replaced your child’s toothbrush, the beginning of the summer season is a good time to do so.
6. Require safety gear for sporting events.
Just as you always make sure they wear their helmet, don’t forget to give them their mouth guard as well! Mouth guards can help to protect your child’s teeth from being damaged or even knocked out. Therefore, if you’re child plays any contact sports, this protective gear should definitely be a must-have in their gym bag.
7. Monitor dental hygiene routines.
During the summer, it can be easy to skip brushing once in a while—especially when your child is out of their normal routine. Therefore, make sure your kid brushes at least twice a day and flosses every night. This will greatly reduce their chances of getting cavities or gingivitis.
8. Schedule their next dentist appointment.
To keep your child’s oral health in great condition, be sure to schedule a dentist appointment for them at least once every six months.
To book their routine cleaning and oral health exam, call Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics today!