Think back to when you were a kid…was there anything better than summer vacation? Probably not.
Between family vacations, summer camp, dips in a swimming pool, picnics, barbecues, and hanging out with friends, there was no limit to the cool stuff that you could do!
Not that we ever considered this as kids while enjoying those awesome pastimes but, as those of us who are parents now will attest, summer is also the most challenging time of year to make sure that your kids aren’t developing cavities, plaque, and even tartar.
Fortunately, we’re here with some tips on simple and effective ways to help your kids maintain their healthy smiles through the hot summer months.
Why Is Summer a Risky Time for Children’s Teeth?
The risks to the health of children’s teeth actually rise in the summer. This is partly because daily routines, including those focused on oral health, tend to be thrown for a loop. Thus, kids have a tendency to neglect their normal oral hygiene practices during the summer.
Also, all of the fun summer activities that kids love tend to include a buffet of sugary snacks and beverages that, in the absence of strong oral health practices, can cause cavities and promote the growth of plaque- and tartar-causing bacteria.
Finally, and this you may not have seen coming, the chlorine that keeps kids clean and free from bacteria while they’re enjoying themselves in the swimming pool can erode tooth enamel and increase sensitivity.
Tips for Keeping Your Kids’ Smiles Healthy This Summer
As you can see, keeping children’s teeth healthy in the summer is quite the challenge. Fortunately, we’ve put together a simple strategy to keep you and your youngsters on track:
- Increase brushing – everyone should brush twice a day at a minimum; for kids in summer, a quick brush after every sugary snack is ideal
- Whenever possible, encourage healthy snacks like fruit instead of those high in processed sugars
- Opt for bottled water instead of sugary soft drinks as often as possible
- Schedule a dental exam to ensure that you’re not neglecting any existing issues
Children’s Dentistry in Jonesboro, AR
If you’re in the Jonesboro area and looking for an experienced dentist to ensure your kids’ teeth are as healthy at the end of summer vacation as they were at the start, contact dentist Dr. Anthony Bartels and the team at Anthony Bartels DDS to schedule an appointment!