5 Ways to Have a Cavity-Free Summer
Summer is right around the corner, and kids all over the country are getting excited to have a break from school and enjoy all the season’s activities. We certainly want you and your family to have a blast with all your fun summer plans, but we can’t help but mention that during all of that it’s still important to keep an eye on your child’s dental health year-round. It may seem a little trickier since they’ll be out of their normal routine or you may be away from home on vacations, but there are some easy ways you can ensure your kid has a cavity-free summer and returns back to school with a healthy, bright smile.
1. Stay Hydrated
Did you know that a well-hydrated body is important for healthy teeth? When you have dry mouth, your mouth isn’t getting enough saliva, and saliva actually helps in the fight against cavities. When your kid is playing outside in the heat, it can be easy for them to take a break to grab a sip. Make sure to remind them to stay hydrated, and even keep a water bottle handy so it’s easy for them to drink while on the go.
2. Limit Sugary Drinks
When you’re keeping your kid hydrated, the question of what exactly they should be drinking comes up. With the higher temperatures of summertime, it’s tempting for kids to reach for a nice cold can of soda, glass of juice, or a cup of lemonade. The trouble is, all of those drinks are heavy in sugar, which can lead to more cavities. Water is the better choice for your child’s dental health, and it still does the job of quenching thirst on those hot days.
3. Opt for Healthy Snacks
Without the structure and schedule of school, your kid may be more tempted to graze on snacks throughout the day. Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks around like fruit and nuts, rather than cavity-promoting treats like candy and chips.
4. Pack Properly for Camps & Sleepovers
Before sending your kid off to summer camp or on a sleepover at their friend’s place check that they’ve packed everything they need to take care of their teeth while they’re away. That means a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. You can find travel-size versions of all of these at your local drugstore or grocery.
5. Make a Back-to-School Appointment
Before your kid starts up school again, schedule a routine appointment for them at the dentist so you know they’re starting up the year free of cavities. Another plus with getting this check-up visit out of the way during the summer is that you don’t have to worry about your kid missing any school.
Looking for more dental tips? Curtis Family Dentistry has you covered! Call or email our team to learn more about how to make sure your family enjoys great dental health. When you’re ready to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental appointment, we’ll be more than happy to help you with that, too.