Summer break is around the corner, which means your kid will be home and snacking more than usual. Which is why good oral hygiene habits are essential during the summer months! In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about how to safeguard children’s smiles over their summer break.
The Risks Summer Poses
When kids spend more time at home, they tend to want to snack on sugary treats, starchy chips, and drink plenty of soda, energy drinks, or juice. While these are fine in moderation, too much sugar and starch could lead to plaque buildup and a higher risk of gingivitis and tooth decay. Sports drinks and energy drinks also contain harmful acids that can impact the protective layer of tooth enamel. To help your kids enjoy their time off and also protect their smiles, we suggest offering healthy snack alternatives, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and crackers, and dairy products. Also, be sure they take time to brush for two minutes when they wake and then again before bed. A fluoride toothpaste is helpful for protecting enamel! Kids of all ages also need to floss every evening to remove the bits of food and drink a toothbrush alone cannot.
Checkups and Cleanings
Summer break is also a great time to see our team for a checkup! They can start the summer with a detailed exam, so we can offer tips for protecting their smiles from poor oral health. If we identify decay, we could place a lifelike filling to prevent infection and toothaches. In the same visit, we will also conduct a cleaning, which removes the harmful layers of plaque and tartar to help protect the teeth and gums. We suggest a checkup and cleaning for kids of all ages every six months, so schedule your child’s next one soon.
Preventive Treatment Options
As part of this visit, we could also offer preventive treatment options that could help lower the risk of tooth decay. For example, we could provide fluoride in a varnish form, coating the teeth to strengthen the enamel and lower the chances of a cavity occurring. We can also apply dental sealants to the hard-to-reach rear teeth, so no food and drink particles can become trapped there and cause cavities. The layers can stay in place for up to ten years too!
If you have any questions about our approach to children’s dentistry, or if you want to schedule a visit for your child, then contact our team today to learn more.
Learn More About Our Approach to Children’s Dentistry
Our team wants to offer kids a chance to enjoy their smile with healthy smiles that shine. Schedule your appointment with Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669.