Summertime Dental Tips for Children
Kids love the summer. Going out to play with their friends, playing outside and being on summer vacation will make them want to go out and enjoy the sunshine. Although it’s a fun and enjoyable time, it’s important to remember the importance of oral hygiene health. There will undoubtedly be hazards around and they will be more likely to indulge in sugary snacks. In order to ensure that your child’s teeth are kept clean, healthy and safe, here are some summertime dental tips for them!
Try to limit the number of sugary snacks they eat
Although summertime brings an array of sweet and sugary snacks (e.g. ice cream and soft drinks), it’s important that your child is limited on the amount they consume. If the intake is too much, it will result in their oral hygiene suffering. They are more likely to develop cavities from the change in the routine and unhealthy snacks that they indulge in. In order to prevent this from happening, reinforce the importance of daily brushing and treat them to healthier snacks instead – for example, natural fruit juices, nuts, etc.
Ensure that they are kept hydrated
It’s easy to forget with all the excitement of summer that you should keep hydrated. However, hydration is a key aspect of staying healthy for both children and adults. This summer, maybe ditch the soft drinks and instead offer them water. As healthy alternative, it will guarantee that your child is kept hydrated and it will help to maintain their oral health.
Persuade them to wear mouth guards
Now, this might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But a mouth guard is a great way of protecting your child’s teeth while they are enjoying a physical activity in the sun. if their teeth aren’t protected and they are playing a sport, for example, they might accidentally get hit by a foul ball or elbow which could result in a painful injury.
Encourage them to stick to their usual brushing routine
As mentioned above, once summer hits, the daily routine tends to go out of the window. Their brushing schedule, however, shouldn’t suffer because of this. Persuade them to continue brushing their teeth twice a day, floss and use mouthwash. This schedule should be kept alongside them eating a healthier.
Get new toothbrushes
Toothbrushes should really be replaced every 3-4 months. Summer is the perfect opportunity to head out to the store with the kids to pick up a new toothbrush for each member of the family. They can then choose their favorite color and design – making brushing even more fun!
Why you should schedule an appointment for a checkup with Hines Little Smiles
Hines Little Smiles has years of experience in the field of pediatric dentistry. One of the leading pediatric dental practices in the Columbus area, we aim at giving your child a fun dental health experience that will educate them on the importance of dental hygiene. Want to find out more? Contact us today or request an appointment online.