Summer break is here and kids will now have a lot of free time on their hands. Unfortunately, that sometimes means skipping their brushing and flossing session, and eating a lot of sugar! But we have a few tips for lowering their cavity risk. In today’s blog, Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry talks about safeguarding children’s smiles during summer break.
Making Sure Kids Brush and Floss
Your kids’ routines may change as they stay up later and sleep in as well, so make sure they continue to brush and floss as they should. Everyone should start their day by brushing for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. They should do the same before they go to bed too! Kids of all ages also need to floss to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot, and cleaning between the teeth is a great way to avoid cavities and for older teens, to avoid gingivitis.
Watching Your Sugar Consumption
Summertime tends to lead to a lot of snacking since kids are home more often, and they will often reach for items high in sugar and starch, such as candy, chips, sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks. Enjoying these in moderation is okay, but too many could be a source of cavities. Encourage them to enjoy options like nuts, fresh fruits, fresh veggies, cheeses, low-fat yogurts, whole grain breads and crackers, or sugar-free gum and candies.
Also encourage them to drink more water! Water helps rinse the mouth and keeps them hydrated, lowering the risk of cavities. Try to cut back on the amount of soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices they consume, and encourage them to follow these with a glass of water to help rinse away the sugar left behind.
Checkups and Cleanings
Summer is perfect for their checkup and cleaning! They can undergo an exam so we can treat issues that have developed, and they don’t risk missing school and falling behind. In addition, the follow-up visit may fall on their winter break. In addition, we will clean the teeth in the same visit, which helps lower the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis, and fights bad breath and teeth stains. If you have any questions about how we help smiles of all ages with a checkup and cleaning, or if you want to learn more about keeping little smiles strong, then reach out to our team today to learn more and get started.
Schedule a Summer Consultation with Allen & Neumann
Our team is ready to help you and your kids maintain good oral health all summer long, and that starts with a simple checkup and cleaning visit. To schedule an appointment for a healthier smile, call Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, at 641-628-1121 today.