3 Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles | Recommendations From A Dentist Near Me

Healthy Summer Smile

3 Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles

Summer sun brings summer fun. While warm months are perfect for spending time together, summer vacation can also throw off your usual dental routine. Here are three ways to maintain a healthy summer smile:

Stay on a routine

Whether your kids are staying up to catch fireflies or watch a fireworks show, resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime—or let it slide when they sleep in the next morning. “Don’t forget about your smile over the summer,” says ADA pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes. “It’s important for families to consistently brush and floss, which keeps kids on track for healthy back-to-school dental visits.”

No matter how eventful the upcoming months become, supervise that they are brushing twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Simple things like brushing calendars can help everyone stay on track over the summer. Plus, it’s a chance to spend more time together. Brushing alongside your children for 2 minutes, twice a day for the three months of summer gives you 6 extra hours together, so make the most of them!

And don’t forget to clean between those teeth once a day. “Your children should be flossing between any two teeth that touch,” Dr. Hayes says. “However, many kids don’t have motor skills to floss until they are over 10 years old.” If your child needs help, try different types of interdental cleaners, or put your hands over theirs to guide them and get the job done at the same time.

No sugary drinks helps maintain a healthy smile Say no to sugary drinks and snacks

As the temperature rises, it’s common for families to sip and snack during sports tournaments, festivals or nearly any community event. “Watch your family’s intake of lemonade, juice and soda,” says Dr. Hayes. “Consider sugary drinks treats to enjoy once in a while, and not often.” Instead, offer water (even better if it has fluoride) to beat the heat, or milk to drink with meals, and don’t let summertime grazing damage your child’s smile. “Taking a break from snacking is healthy for your teeth,” says Dr. Hayes. “It allows time for saliva to bathe the teeth, wash away leftover food and get stronger.”

If you find yourself spending more time at home, snack smarter, and let your children tell you when they’re hungry instead of offering snacks throughout the day. “They’re not afraid to let you know when they want something to eat!” she says.

Make your back-to-school dental visit early

Some schools require back-to-school dental visits for certain grades, and these checkups can be a good way to be sure your child’s teeth stayed healthy. It is a good idea to make your child’s back-to-school appointment early in the summer. This will both help you avoid the August rush and help insure you get the appointment time that works best for you. “We can help spot and take care of any issues, so your child doesn’t have to miss class once school starts,” Dr. Hayes says. “Visiting the dentist regularly can help your child’s smile stay healthy all year long.”

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/3-tips-for-healthy-summer-smiles?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhtopstories&utm_content=summersmile

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14 Responses

  1. Grace Turner says:

    It’s true that we tend to drink a lot of sugary drinks like lemonade and soda when it’s warm outside. My husband ended up with a couple of cavities that he needs to be filled. We’ll have to take him to the dentist soon!

    • Larry.Fink says:

      It is a good idea to go to a dentist to fill those cavities soon. Leaving cavities alone allows them to grow, becoming more painful and much harder to treat. Getting to a dentist quickly will save you both time, money, and quite a bit of pain.

  2. Faylinn says:

    I really appreciated that you mentioned that you should not eat drinks or snacks too often to avoid having teeth problems. My sister left her children with me while she is away for a month on a business trip, and one of them started complaining of a toothache yesterday. I need to find a dentist in the area that could help me figure out what is going on, and I will keep in mind that some schools require dental visits for back-to-school, as you said.

  3. Skylar Williams says:

    Thank you for your tip to stay away from sugary drinks such as lemonade, juice, and soda. My family just moved to another state and we need a new dentist because it’s almost time for the annual cleanings. I’ll make sure to keep my family away from sugary drinks and snacks as we search for a dentist.

  4. Erika Brady says:

    I like your advice to schedule early back-to-school dental visits. This would be important to ensure you get quality dental teeth cleaning at least once a year. When choosing a dentist to schedule with, it would probably be a good idea to research local professionals to find one that is located near your home and has hours that work with your schedule.

  5. Callum Palmer says:

    I should look into following some of these tips. Going with a routine I think would be a good idea. That way, I can be sure that my teeth stay in good shape and don’t deteriorate.

    • Larry.Fink says:

      Your idea is a good one. Good routines lead to good habits. This is one habit that will help you and your mouth in the long run.

  6. Penelope Smith says:

    I want to take good care of my teeth this summer. I liked that you explained that you will want to cut back on sugary drinks. That is good for me to know because I drink a lot of soda.

  7. Ellie Davis says:

    I liked that you mentioned limiting your sugar consumption will help you to enjoy a greater smile. My husband and I are thinking about advice to find a good dentist, and I’m helping him with information. I will let him know about your recommendations to improve our dental care.

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