Summer Dental Tips for Children

Summer is an exciting time for kids. However, it can also be a dangerous time for oral health. Hot temperatures and outdoor activities are the perfect setups for dental emergencies. Here are some important summer dental tips for your children.

Pack a Safe Summer Snack

Packing a healthy snack in your child’s backpack or lunch bag is a great idea. It will help keep them from purchasing sugary treats from vending machines or convenience stores. Sugary snacks like soda and candy can cause cavities. Avoid letting your child chew ice. They can easily crack their teeth. Encourage them to drink plenty of water.

Oral Hygiene 

Oral hygiene is important, especially for younger children. Parents should be sure to brush their children’s teeth twice a day and use floss to clean between the teeth. If a child is old enough, they can even help brush their own teeth, but parents must supervise to make sure teeth are getting brushed properly.

Healthy Diet

The most important part of your child’s dental health is their diet. A well-balanced diet of veggies, fruits, dairy, and other low-fat, high-fiber foods is essential for preventing cavities and gum disease.

If children eat a sugary diet, they’re at a higher risk of tooth decay. Decay in baby teeth can spread to permanent teeth, which can cause them to become loose and fall out too early.

Regular Dental Visits

When summer arrives, it’s the perfect time to get your children’s smiles ready for school pictures. If it’s been a while since your child’s last visit, they should be able to get a thorough cleaning and a checkup during their dental appointment.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), children should visit the dentist twice a year. During these visits, the dentist will clean teeth, check for cavities, and treat any existing cavities. Since children are still learning the importance of proper dental hygiene, they may not be aware of the need to brush and floss regularly. Taking your child to the dentist twice each year will help to keep teeth healthy and help prevent cavities.

Wear a Mouthguard

Mouthguards protect your child’s teeth during contact sports. They also help prevent tooth damage in children who grind their teeth at night.

If your child grinds their teeth, talk to your dentist about a custom mouthguard. Mouthguards made for children are made from plastic and fit securely over your child’s teeth.

Unique Kids Pediatric Dentistry is equipped with the latest technologies and modern amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (832) 930-7732 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more about the dental services provided at the practice.