Summer break is a fun time for kids of all ages, but this is also a time when many kids become lax in their oral hygiene habits and tend to consume a lot of sugar. This is a recipe for tooth decay! But we have a few tips for protecting their smiles. In today’s blog, Brighton Family Dental Group talks about protecting little smiles throughout their summer break.
Better Brushing and Flossing Habits
Make sure your kids always start and end their day by brushing their teeth! Even if they start to stay up later and sleep in, they need to brush their teeth for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. In the evening, they need to floss their teeth before they brush that second time, so they can dislodge trapped particles a toothbrush cannot reach, and the brushing can clear away what these particles, providing better protection against tooth decay. For younger kids, you can help time them with a fun song or video, or even a sand timer, to ensure they clean their teeth for the appropriate amount of time. This can help you too! Consider brushing alongside them if possible.
Taking Time for Checkups and Cleanings
Summertime means kids can undergo a routine checkup visit without the risk of missing school and falling behind. Likewise, if we identify any issue that needs treatment, such as cavity, we can plan a filling placement visit without impacting their education or extracurricular activities. In the same visit, we will also clean the teeth to help remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup, furthering the risk of cavities and gingivitis. In the same visit, we could discuss treatments like fluoride or even dental sealants to further protect teeth from the onset of tooth decay, often for months or even years at a time.
Avoiding Too Much Sugar
When kids are home from school, they tend to get bored easily and that leads to a lot of snacking. Kids will often reach for options high in sugar and starch, such as chips, candy, soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks. While delicious, these can leave behind the sugar and starch that leads to cavities. Instead, offer them fun and healthy alternatives like fresh fruit and veggies, hummus to dip veggies in, assorted nuts, low-fat yogurts, or even cheeses and sugar-free gum and candies.
If you have any questions about protecting little smiles all summer long, reach out to our team today. We want to help your child enjoy their best smile!
Talk to Brighton Family Dental About Your Child’s Appointment
We can offer preventive care to help safeguard your child’s smile this summer. Learn more about children’s dentistry by calling us at Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210.
