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During the summer, families are busy with camps, activities, and vacations. Throughout all this bustling, how do you keep up a healthy dental routine? We help you break it down so oral health is prioritized, without adding stress…or cavities!
Brush regularly. Without adding a new item to your routine, simply make sure you have new toothbrushes for the summer, and kiddos brush in the morning and before bedtime.
Floss daily. After brushing, have your child use floss, floss picks, soft-picks, or dental picks. They are easy to use – and pack. And there are a variety of options to choose from at grocery stores or pharmacies. Don’t forget, flossing cleans 40% of a tooth’s surface that a toothbrush can’t get to.
Snack healthy. When on the road or in between activities, healthy snacks can feel harder to manage. But they are easier than you think. They help your kids (and you) have lasting energy and protect your teeth. Choose snacks that have low sugar and minimally processed ingredients.
Celery with peanut butter and raisins
Trail mix
Sliced pears with ricotta cheese
Cheese stick
Hummus and carrots
Fruit smoothie
Hard boiled eggs
Banana oat cookies
Bakes sweet potato fries
Turkey and avocado rolls
Pickles
Olives
Half a sandwich
Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is important for all of us, but especially for growing children in warmer summer temperatures. Being hydrated helps them stay alert, focused, and maintain a healthy body temperature. It can also help them perform sports better, feel less tired, and avoid headaches or crankiness.
Protect your lips. Lips protect your teeth and gums, prevent dehydration, and prevent infection. Licking lips leads to more dryness because lips don’t have their own oil glands like the rest of your skin. Keep your kids’ lips healthy by using lip balm daily (with spf while in the sun), drinking enough water, and watching for repetitive licking.
Make a checkup appointment. Teeth need a professional cleaning and checkup twice a year. These appointments help prevent cavities, remove plaque, and set your child up for a lifetime of strong dental health. Make sure before summer starts, your child has an appointment for their next cleaning.
Happy travels! And if you need help getting your child to understand the importance of oral health, check out these fun resources from America’s Tooth Fairy.
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