Oral Hygiene Summer

Summer days are not always lazy days. A family may find themselves just as busy in the summer as they are during the school year. School is traded for summer camp. Soccer is traded for baseball. And weekend trips are traded in for week-long vacations to venues near and far.

It's easy to see how dental hygiene could get lost in the shuffle. However, make sure when you're organizing your child's calendar with all the things they are going to do this summer that you keep your child's dental care routine in mind. Keep reading to find some tips we at Dr. Beanca Children's Dentistry recommend for keeping your child's oral hygiene on point this summer.

Create a Calendar Just for the Oral Care Routine

Your kids may be on a different schedule during the summer than they are during the school year. They may be used to brushing their teeth as part of their getting-ready-for-school routine, but when they're not getting up at the same time, they may forget to brush and floss.

Whether your kids are five or fifteen, you can help them remember by keeping track on a calendar. Attach some rewards for remembering. For your little one, rewards can be as simple as letting them pick a toy at the store or picking the movie for your family movie night. For your teen, it could be extra time added to a curfew or a chore-free day on a day of their choice.

If your kids are small, remember that you need to make sure you're checking on their dental care routine. It takes time for a child to become adept at brushing and flossing. Until you're confident they're doing a good job, check their teeth after they've brushed and flossed—and you can brush them yourself again if you think their teeth could be cleaner.

Pack the Toothpaste and Floss

Just because you're going away is not an excuse to let up on the oral hygiene routine. Let your kids pick out their favorite brush, toothpaste, and mouthwash to pack with all your other necessities. Make sure to take enough toothpaste to last the whole trip. Many pharmacies and department stores sell travel-sized toothpaste and mouthwash, so this may be a good option for your travels.

Many kids go to camp during the summer months. This means they will need to keep up their dental routine without you there to remind them. Make sure to pack everything they will need in their camp bag—and make sure they know everything's there!

To get them in the right mode, you can talk with them about the importance of maintaining their dental hygiene routine even while they're away, including remembering to try to eat healthy foods when they can. You could send them away with a small calendar to keep track of their progress. Finally, if your child is younger and you're afraid they may skip their dental care routine, you can always enlist the assistance of your child's camp counselor.

Don't Skip the Check-ups

Sometimes those six-month check-ups fall in the middle of the school year (and what kid doesn't love having a half-day because of a dental appointment?). Sometimes those check-ups fall in the summertime, potentially interrupting a fun time. When you have summer camp, vacations, and other exciting summer stuff going on, it can be tempting to put off the check-up until later. While you can certainly adjust the timing so the appointment fits into your schedule, try not to put it off altogether.

When children are young, their dental check-ups are important. Not only do they get a thorough cleaning at these appointments, but the dentist also performs a thorough exam. These exams are the key to identifying potential problems while they are still small. Some dental issues can become much trickier to deal with if left unchecked. This can be particularly harmful to your child's permanent teeth.

Cavities that are left untreated can become infected, and a tooth that has cracked or chipped can become worse if left alone. However, if your pediatric dentist is able to spot the issue during your child's routine exam, the issue can be resolved, often with relative ease. As you're making all your summer plans, don't forget to plan for any dental check-ups that need to be scheduled.

Summer Snacks and Activities

Summer is a traditional time for all sorts of fun treats—ice cream, popsicles, s'mores. Kids love these (adults too!), but it's important to limit those types of sugar-laden foods as much as possible, saving them for special occasions such as the 4th of July or a birthday party. Too many of these treats may produce too many cavities.

It can be tempting for kids to graze all day long when they're not in school. This is something to keep an eye on. Designate snack times, and offer healthy snacks, such as string cheese, raw veggies, fruits, and whole grain crackers. This will not only benefit your child's teeth but also their overall health.

Something else to keep an eye on are all the summer activities your child may be participating in. From baseball to hiking to swimming, they're out there doing it all. An accidental ball or an elbow in the face, however, can cause damage to teeth, resulting in the need for emergency dental care.

Consider getting your child a mouth guard to protect their teeth when they're taking part in any activities where a mouth injury is a possibility. This guard will limit the chances of something happening to their teeth. Your dentist at Dr. Beanca Children's Dentistry can provide custom mouth guards so your child can participate in sports to their heart's content, and you can be assured their teeth will stay safe.

Ask Us for More Tips

At Dr. Beanca Children's Dentistry, we're here for you and your child. If you have concerns about your child's dental care during the summer, don't hesitate to call with your specific concerns. We'll be happy to offer further tips for making sure your child's oral hygiene is on point for the summer.