Summertime has finally arrived, and our kids are excited to be out of school at last. For us parents, this can mean a lot more work on our plates. While we may have been sad to see our little ones leave for school, there were benefits. Among them is a few spare hours to manage our to-do lists and get some time alone. During the summer months, those niceties are a thing of the past. Our kids will constantly be around, and there will be a ton of activities to attend. While the situation can be a little complicated this year after the pandemic, it will still be a bit of a change. One thing that hasn’t changed is the need to protect their teeth.
Some Common Sense Steps To Protecting Childrens’ Dental Health This Summer
This summer’s going to be just like every one before it in one crucial way. We’re going to have to keep watch over our children to protect their smiles. While we can’t keep a thumb on them every minute, we can remind them of some essential tips.
- Try To Eat Healthy And Avoid Sugar – One of the biggest threats summers bring for our kids’ teeth is snacks. From S’mores by the campfire to an endless font of sugary drinks, their smile is in danger. These treats tend to become a standard part of their diet during the summer. Your best defense is limiting their availability at home. Stock your fridge with healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, oatmeal, and juice.
- Keep Them Hydrated – Hydration is essential to every aspect of your children’s health. Children, in particular, tend to not get enough water while outside. They get distracted by the fun and the sun and that handy soda. Unfortunately, this can lead to them becoming dehydrated. Try to set a rule that for every soda they have, they’ll drink a glass of water after it. This practice can rinse the acids and sugars from their mouths while keeping them hydrated.
- Wear Mouth Guards – This one can be tricky to get them to agree to do. If they enjoy rough-housing and sports, then a mouthguard is a must. These devices can help prevent chipping, breaking, and even teeth from being knocked out. Accidents are a common occurrence when fun involves physical activity, be prepared.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene – With days full of fun and excitement, it can be challenging to stick to routines. Their oral hygiene is one routine that you can’t afford to skip. Consider putting a brushing chart up in their bathroom to keep track. While you’re at it, start encouraging them to floss thoroughly. They’ll appreciate it down the road.
- Lip Balm – This comes as a surprise when we bring it up. We’ll slather sunscreen all over our bodies but forget to protect our lips. The skin of our lips is vulnerable to sun damage, so SPF 15+ lip balm is essential. Avoid lip gloss at all costs. This substance boosts sunlight absorption, causing burns.
These tips will keep your children’s smiles looking great right through the summer months. This fact should give you, and your pocketbook, a bit of relief.
Speak To Your Dentist For More Summertime Tips
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to protecting children’s teeth in summer. This list isn’t comprehensive, so speak to your dentist for more information. They’ll have seen and experienced things that we may not have considered. With this experience, they’ll be able to provide you with tips from real-world experience. Besides, isn’t it time your kids see their dentist?
