Summer is a highly anticipated time of year with plenty of exciting activities for the whole family. However, even though your child is out of school, it’s important they still keep up with their oral hygiene. Follow these tips to keep their smiles healthy all summer long.
Packing For Vacations
When on vacation, make sure that your child keeps up with their dental routine. Remember to pack all the essentials, including a toothbrush, toothpaste with fluoride, floss, and mouthwash. Since they’ll probably be eating more sweets and adhering to a less healthy diet overall, it’s especially important for them to take care of their teeth. It’s important to remind them that even though they’re in a new place, dental care is still just as necessary.
Keep a Routine
Routines are important for children, especially when it comes to something as vital as their dental hygiene. It will be easier to instill healthy oral habits from the start if they understand the importance of it and stick to a routine early on. Summer break is a halt to their usual routine, as they’re used to going to school and being on a more strict schedule.
Younger children can have a hard time coping when their routine switches up, which is why you’ll want to remind them that keeping up with their oral hygiene is still a must.
Opt For Low-sugar Options
With barbecues, birthday parties, picnics, post-swimming ice cream, and more, your child will probably be consuming a lot more high-sugar food items over the summer. Excess sugar produces acid, which can then cause tooth decay, leading to the cavity.
Trying to find low-sugar options for all of these sweet treats will help your child avoid getting cavities- especially if they’re still learning to stick to a dental routine. If you decide to stick with normal sweets, try to limit their consumption to just a few times a week.
SPF Lip Balms
Putting on sunscreen is vital not only for your body and face, but for your lips as well. Lips have the potential to get sunburned and can increase the risk of oral cancer. Keep a lip balm with SPF in your car, swim bag, picnic bag, and anywhere easily accessible. Make sure you and your little one also avoid lip gloss, as it absorbs sunlight, therefore increasing your risk of a burn.
Play it Safe
Accidents happen, which is why we offer emergency dental services. However, you can do your part in keeping your child safe and preventing common emergency situations that may arise in the summer. If they’re playing a rough or contact summer sport, consider having them play with a mouthguard in. It’s best to supervise your child to ensure they’re playing safely, and remind them the importance of being careful when participating in outdoor or contact activities.
Book Their Check-Up
Ensure that your child is starting summer with a healthy smile. If your child hasn’t seen a dentist in over six months or you have any questions or concerns about their oral health, we encourage you to make an appointment with the best pediatric dentist.
Our team will make sure their smile is clean, healthy, and summer-ready, and you’ll be rest assured that they’re receiving the care and advice needed to set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. For pediatric dentistry in Fort Worth you can trust, contact us today.
