Summer is the season for things to heat up and for time to slow down. Your kids will enjoy their freedom from school, indulge in cool sweet treats, and play to their heart’s content. While school routines may be thrown out the window during this time, it’s important to still keep up with your child’s dental health care routine. Especially considering kids consume 5 times the amount of sugar during the summer!
If your child’s routines have been lacking lately, we have just the tips to help you get them back on track and keep their teeth healthy and sparkling again this summer!
Here’s the top 5 summer dental tips for kids from your Kids Smiles Team:
1. Brush and floss regularly
Start your kiddo back on their strong oral hygiene routine, brushing twice a day at least – preferably after their sugary treats, and flossing each night before bed. You may meet with some resistance so look at our brushing and flossing made fun tips for kids to renew their interest in oral hygiene.
2. Encourage a balanced diet
While summer is often prime ice-cream truck time and popsicle eating contests as our kids try to stay cool and energized for all the summertime fun. Kids go for these because they’re a quick, cool option but it’s important to encourage nutritious foods as well. Have them help you prep ready-to-go baggies of their favorite fruits or veggies with grab-and-go dips. Then they’ll have the option of cold healthy snacks too!
3. Attend your child’s regular dental check-ups
Add your child’s upcoming dental appointments to your phone calendar, work calendar, and calendar at home (if you don’t have a home calendar, just a note on the fridge will do!) If you notice a conflict with your schedule or vacation plans, give us a call ASAP so we can accommodate you to the best of our ability. Keeping their regular dental appointments every 6 months is critical to children’s teeth care, helping us keep their teeth healthy and bright and detect issues early on.
4. Protect their teeth with a mouthguard
Kids enjoy sports activities all summer long! From a little backyard football to structured sports like baseball or basketball. If your kiddo participates in any contact sport, it’s a good idea to get them a mouthguard to help protect their developing craniofacial structures, as dentofacial trauma that occurs under age 18 can have a detrimental impact on dental and craniofacial health. The Kids Smiles team can help recommend a mouthguard type that fits your child’s unique needs. We also offer custom-fit performance mouthguards as well!
5. Be their role model
Brush and floss your teeth with your child. They’ll be watching you and you’ll be able to help improve their brushing or flossing skills. When your children see you brushing and flossing regularly, they’re more likely to be interested and adopt your healthy habits. Remember, these are the formative habits that will follow them well into adulthood and promote a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Looking for more dental tips for kids?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions about your child’s dental health care.
By following these top 5 dental tips for kids this summer, you’re giving them the consistency and healthy habits to make it simple to care for their teeth and learn the importance of oral hygiene.
Looking for an expert pediatric dentist in Tampa Bay? Request your child’s appointment with us today.
