Summer is almost here, and your family’s schedule is topsy-turvy. That means getting your kids to eat right and maintain good oral hygiene can be a struggle. Well, more than it already is. And with all this extra activity, there may even be a dental emergency or two.
We know that you have more fun things to do than visit our Stratford dental office for emergency services, so here are a few oral health tips for summer that will help you protect the kids and their developing teeth from long-term damage and avoidable mishaps.
When things settle down, be sure to get in touch with Coventry Dental Care to schedule an appointment for everyone in the family! Whether you need cosmetic dentistry, wisdom teeth removal, or a regular checkup, we’ll find a time that fits into your schedule perfectly.
Keep Up That Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily is as important in the summer as it is in any other season. But with vacations, camp, and lots of days spent at the pool, don’t be surprised if you frequently need to remind your kids to brush and floss.
Now is a great time to buy new toothbrushes to replace the old, worn-out ones that have probably collected germs and other nasty bacteria. In fact, you should stock up on extra brushes, as well as travel-sized toothpaste and floss for those summer trips and days out. Tossing a few travel brushes into your handbag is a convenient way to always be hygienically prepared. If you’re sending your child to camp, be sure to emphasize the importance of maintaining their brushing and flossing routine while they’re away from home.
Now’s the Time for Checkups
Parents tend to schedule dental checkups in August, right before class starts. But to prevent dental problems over summer, book the kids in right after school ends. This way, the kids will have a clean bill of dental health for summer. The last thing you want is a child suffering from a toothache while away on summer vacation. Plus, it’s much easier to schedule an appointment before the pre-class rush! We can also schedule appointments throughout the year to make it easy and convenient for your kids to maintain their oral health throughout the year.
Stock a Healthy Kitchen
Keep the summer from being an “acid attack” on your family’s teeth by investing in healthy snacks. It’s hard to limit snacking when the kids are home all day, but with the availability of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, you can stock the fridge with healthy options.
Be sure to keep the fruits and veggies clean and ready to grab. You’ll feel better about snacking when the kids are reaching for blueberries and strawberries instead of candy and cookies. And swap out the sugary, acidic soft drinks with bottled water. If your children are off playing with friends or going to camp, remind them about the importance of healthy eating and balancing their treats with nutritious options.
Prevent Dental Emergencies
It wouldn’t be summer without lots of swimming, bike riding, volleyball, and other playground activities. And while these are great fun, they can unfortunately result in a dental injury. Parents can be prepared for the worst by following these tips:
- Make sure your kids follow the pool rules whenever they’re out swimming. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, many of the summer oral injuries dentists treat are due to pool accidents. Running on slippery pool decks, diving into shallow waters, and teeth bumping against the ledge of the pool are some of the most common causes of chipped and loose teeth.
- Know what to do yourself. While getting to the dentist right away is important, there are things you can do to help. Use warm water and cold packs to clean the area and reduce swelling, respectively. Use sanitary gauze to stop any bleeding. Place a lost permanent tooth back in the mouth, if possible. If not, use salt water or milk to keep it moist for the ride to the dentist.
- Pack an emergency dental care kit to take along for vacation. Essentials for this kit, according to the AGD, are a handkerchief, gauze, a small container with a lid, ibuprofen, and your dentist’s contact information.
Summer can really throw your routine for a loop. But by following these oral health tips for summer, your kids can start the school year with great oral hygiene. Be sure to check out the rest of our blog posts for even more tips that can help you keep the entire family’s teeth healthy throughout the year.
Contact our Stratford dental office or fill out the form below to book your kids’ checkups before school starts.
We look forward to seeing you!