Summer break is here, and with comes a more relaxed schedule for kids and plenty of time for snacking on sugary treats and sodas. Which means an elevated risk of cavities in the weeks and months to come! But we have some tips for protecting their smiles. In today’s blog, Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry talks about protecting little smiles over the summer in Houston, TX.
How Summer Break Can Encourage Cavities
What makes summer break such a risk to little smiles? Well, kids can become lax in their schedule, especially if they stay up later and sleep in, altering their normal routine. This means they may skip brushing and flossing as they should. Combining these with a diet suddenly flush with sugary snacks and chips, and sodas and energy drinks, and you have a recipe for tooth decay. But we have a few tips for protecting little smiles all summer long, so they start school in the fall with a healthy smile.
Brushing and Flossing
One key way to protect smiles is with routine oral hygiene habits. Kids need to start their day, even if they sleep in, by brushing their teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. At night, before bed they need to do the same and also floss in between their teeth to remove what a toothbrush’s bristles alone could not reach. Make sure they always take time to clean their teeth, even when out of town on vacation. The same goes for you!
Limited Sugar
Consuming too much sugar in the form of candy, snack cakes, sodas, and energy drinks could leave behind particles of harmful oral bacteria to consume, which creates plaque buildup and increases the risk of cavities. Instead, offer them more water, fresh fruits and veggies, assorted nuts, low-fat yogurt, sugar-free gum and candies, whole grain bread and crackers, and cheeses. You can also offer hummus or cottage cheese to dip their veggies in for a fun snack!
Checkups and Cleanings
You should consider an appointment for a checkup and cleaning so they start their break with healthier smiles! You can then schedule a visit and any follow-ups for fillings or other treatments without worrying about them missing school or extracurricular activities, and the next checkup should fall around winter break too. We will also clean the teeth to help fight bad breath, teeth stains, and even cavities! If you have any questions about protecting smiles this summer, then contact our team today to learn more.
Learn More About Protecting Smiles During the Break!
Our team can help safeguard your smiles with general dental care, including checkups and cleanings. To find out more about preventive dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, please call Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Houston, TX at (281) 974-4494.
