Have your kids started their summer break? When this happens, your little ones (and you) will have some interruptions to your usual routine, and this can often mean becoming lax in how often (and well) you brush and floss. Kids especially could overdo it on sugar this time of year too! In today’s blog, the team at Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO, talks about keeping smiles strong all summer long.
Summertime and Tooth Decay
When kids don’t brush and floss properly each day, and they have snacks and drinks high in sugar and starch, this can leave behind particles that feed harmful oral bacteria. As a result, the risk of tooth decay will rise, leading to painful symptoms and the risk of infection or possibly even premature tooth loss with time. But we have a few tips for protecting little smiles all summer long! A good oral hygiene routine can keep their smiles bright and healthy.
Taking Time to Brush and Floss
Even as their routine changes and they stay up later and sleep in, make sure they still end and start their day by brushing for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and using a fluoride toothpaste each time. Kids also need to floss every evening to clean between the teeth and remove the bits of sugar and starch that a toothbrush alone may no reach. They should floss in the evening before they brush that second time. These actions are crucial for healthy smiles!
Cutting Back on Sugar
What they eat and drink also influences their overall oral health. Kids should cut back on how much sugar and starch is in their diet. From home, avoid too much candy, a lot of chips, or drinks with sugar and acids, such as sodas, energy drinks, or sports drinks. Instead, try to offer fresh fruits and veggies, maybe hummus or cottage cheese to dip in. You can provide nuts, sugar-free gum and candy, whole grain bread and crackers, and low-fat yogurt. These actions help protect their teeth and their overall health as well!
Drinking water is crucial too, as this helps rinse away harmful particles, and keep kids hydrated.
Checkups and Cleanings
Schedule their checkup and cleaning now, so they can start summer with a healthy smile and we can tackle issues like tooth decay without the risk of missing school for an appointment. We will also clean the teeth to keep smiles bright and lower the risk of tooth decay! If you have any questions about children’s dentistry, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Appointment with Delightful Dental Care
If you want to prevent summertime cavities, then talk about family dentistry with Dr. Diana Tabakh, DDS. To schedule your appointment, please call Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO at (816) 942-7669 today.