Kids And Summertime Tooth Care

Summer means more time spent in the outdoors and at social gatherings. Beaches are usually packed with laughing kids frolicking and making new friends. The last thing you want is for your child to shy away from people because of bad teeth or halitosis.

A flurry of summertime activities can make it difficult for your child to control eating habits or practice good oral hygiene. Here are several steps you can take to ensure your child maintains a stellar smile.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Your kids may be so preoccupied with having fun that they may forget to practice basic oral hygiene. Some of them may even go off to summer camp, making it impossible for you to monitor their oral hygiene habits. It is important to consistently stress the importance of regular brushing and flossing to them. You could try to incorporate some discipline regarding this by giving them a daily oral hygiene checklist when they leave for summer camp. The list should include regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash.

You should also always use a children’s toothpaste with fluoride tablets for your younger children. This is necessary as kiddie toothpastes with low fluoride levels may not be that effective in combating tooth decay. Also, some toothpaste specifically for very young children do not contain fluoride, making fluoride tablets vital.

Prioritize Regular Dental Check Ups

There’s no better time to take your kids to the dentist than summer break. Now is the time to schedule cleanings, sealants or even their first braces appointment. The dentist may need to fill your child’s teeth or extract in the event of a bad cavity. A mouth with no decay could also mean fresher breath for your child. Your dentist may also recommend other treatments such as sealants, fluoride treatments, and space maintainers to protect the teeth for the upcoming new school year.

Since metal braces or Invisalign may require follow up visits to the dentist, summer vacations are the ideal time to get started, since your child won’t have to miss any classes. Always seek the services of a reputable children’s orthodontist. Gables Sedation and Family Dentistry has a great team of orthodontists specializing in invisible braces.

Take Protective Measures for Your Child’s Teeth

What kids don’t love splashing away in swimming pools during summer? While it’s a fairly safe activity, it can take a toll on your child’s teeth if the pH balance of the swimming pool is not right. Frequent swimming in a pool such as this could create yellow stains on teeth. Always try and maintain a normal pH level for your pool, if have one.

Summertime is often filled with sweet treats and sugary drinks. It can be very challenging to keep your child away from bad foods during summer. You should always try to replace sugary foods with a healthy snack instead. Your child may also be active in certain sporting activities during summer. If they do engage in games or sports, always advise them to wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth.

Visit Gables Sedation & Family Dentistry in Miami for an array of services including general dentistry, orthodontics, sedation dentistry, emergencies and much more.