For many families, summertime means vacations, pool parties, running in the sprinklers, cookouts, camp, sports, and more. The main objective is fun!
While some routines go out the window during the summer, dental care for your children cannot be one of them. Making time to maintain a healthy dental care routine is especially important in the summer. When you’re packing up your towels, sunscreen, and flip flops, don’t forget your dental essentials!
Traveling
When packing your travel items (soap, brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) don’t forget to prepare for a dental emergency. Though you don’t want to assume the worst, accidents can happen and you want to not only be prepared, but also be comfortable. Include oral pain relief gel and a dental emergency kit in your luggage. Ask your dentist for the one he/she suggests.
Mouthguards
Summer sports are some of the most fun parts of summer! High-contact sports are not the only ones that require the use of a mouthguard. Keep your summer smiles protected during the following activities:
- Bicycling
- Skateboarding
- Volleyball (sand or court)
- Baseball/Softball
- Surfing
Avoid Sugary Drinks – Stick to Water
We often think to grab the sports drinks when rehydrating in the summertime. Sports drinks are fine, but you will want to ensure that your children drink an equal amount (or more) of water afterwards to combat the excess sugar. High amounts of sugar can lead to tooth decay and dehydration. Moderation is key for any food or drink with a high sugar content - especially when your children are active in warmer weather.
Healthy Snacks
Your kids may be in and out of the house while swimming, riding bikes, playing in treehouses, backyard sports, etc. When kids are active they work up an appetite and want to snack more. Have healthy snacks on hand to fuel them up! Fresh-cut fruit, veggies, turkey wraps, and sliced cheese are good on-the-go snacks.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment
Don’t wait until right before school starts to schedule an appointment! Starting out the summer with a fresh smile can not only avoid potential dental mishaps during the summer, but also serve as a helpful start to a healthy summer routine. Let’s talk about getting your children’s dental health on track for the summer.
