Smile Brightly This Summer with Simple Care Tips: Part Two

Posted June 7, 2016

Summer is actually an ideal time to schedule your kids’ semi-annual dental checkups and cleanings. Remember, even kids whose smiles seem healthy could be at risk of developing cavities or other issues, because of acidic tartar buildup. Most patients need to visit the dentist at least twice a year to keep these and other problems at bay. By scheduling your kids’ checkups during summer break they won’t have to miss any school to keep their smiles in great oral health.

Provide Healthy Snacks and Tooth-Friendly Treats

Don’t forget that both you and your kids will need to drink plenty of water. While this is true year round, it becomes especially important when you spend great deals of time outside, particularly in the sun.

Drinking water helps to keep your whole body hydrated and it also helps you produce saliva, as well. Saliva is essential to keeping plaque buildup in check, since it limits the bacteria’s ability to stick to the surface of the teeth.

Avoiding too many sugary treats can also be important to maintaining your kids’ oral health and preventing dental problems. Plaque bacteria feed on sugars, so diets high in sugar lead to an increased likelihood of developing cavities and even gum disease. Instead of ice cream, consider cold (but not frozen) fruit, which can satisfy a sweet tooth while providing nutritional value without all the added sugar.

Frozen items, including ice, can lead to damaged teeth, including chips and cracks. So make sure your kids don’t form the habit of chewing on ice. No-sugar added popsicles, which are softer, are a safer alternative for smiles. Shaved ice is also safer for teeth. Again, just don’t overdo the sugar!