Caring for your little one means more than just hauling them to the doctor when they get the sniffles—as a parent, you know that it’s a full-time job. Caring for your young son or daughter means looking out for all their needs, all the time. As a parent, you know that one of those needs is for your child’s teeth to be healthy and strong. Though summer is upon us with its many playdates, vacations, pool trips, and park birthday parties, that need does not go away. Today, we want to provide you with ten reminders of how you can best serve your child’s dental health this summer so that that need is met.

1 – Don’t wait to schedule their dental appointment.

Too many parents, as well-meaning as the next but just as swamped with the demands of family and work, intend to have dental appointments for their kids over the summer but don’t try and schedule them until it’s too late. Many other parents have already had the same idea to schedule appointments over summer’s long days. Unsurprisingly, a dentist’s calendar fills up. If you prefer to have your child’s bi-annual dental checkup during the summer rather than the school year, make sure to schedule as early as possible.

2 – Do enforce safe water play.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “More than 5 million people in the United States have their teeth knocked out every year. Most dental trauma occurs in kids ages 7 to 11.” The slippery surfaces of waterparks and pool decks invite knocked-out teeth to occur. Teach your child to always obey the lifeguard when they say to walk instead of run. Remind them to follow instructions about not diving into shallow water, and to avoid horseplay with other children at the pool or waterpark.

3 – Don’t stock the fridge with sugary drinks.

Summer is the peak time when all of us, whether child or adult, are tempted to guzzle down Gatorade, energy drink, or can of ice-cold soda to beat the summer heat. But these drinks wreak havoc on any teeth, child or adult. If you choose to keep the fridge and pantry free of these drinks, you take one small step in protecting your child’s teeth from the corrosive effects of sugar and acid found in those cans and bottles.

4 – Do keep them hydrated with plenty of water.

While drinks like Gatorade will stain their teeth and increase the likelihood of decay, your child does need to stay hydrated to make it through the summer heat. Instead of stocking the fridge with sodas and sports drinks, fill it with plenty of water bottles, so that there’s always one ready to grab and go. Or, let your child pick out their very own reusable water that they’ll keep by their side all summer. Not only does water provide vital nourishment for your child’s growing body, it also reinforces their teeth with an essential mineral called fluoride and rinses away harmful debris and bacteria that could cause cavities.

5 – Don’t neglect brushing and flossing.

Ensuring they brush is perhaps the most basic of all ways you can protect your child’s oral health this summer. For some parents, making their children brush their teeth is such a battle that they never even get to flossing! However, it is crucial for a child’s oral health that flossing is not skipped. Flossing reaches crevices that brushing simply cannot reach, clearing out debris and scraping away bacteria that would otherwise contribute to ever-increasing tooth decay. No matter what changes in routine or bedtime battles arise this summer, be vigilant about brushing and flossing.

6 – Do reward positive oral hygiene habits.

Sometimes, kids do better with a little encouragement. Summer is a great time to work with your child on establishing positive habits of oral health. One tried-and-true method for this is the sticker chart. No matter what stage you’re at with your child, whether it’s teaching them to brush by themselves, to floss by themselves, or to brush or floss at all, you can use the reward system of a sticker chart to encourage them. It provides a visible way to track their progress. When they’ve filled up the entire chart, you can offer them a larger reward.

7 – Do have your child wear a mouthguard when engaging in rough play.

 As discussed earlier, knocked-out teeth are a serious possibility, particularly for kids aged 7-11. If your child plays any contact sports, provide them with a mouthguard that they can wear to protect their teeth. There are a few different types of mouthguards; speak with their dentist about which would be best for your child.

8 – Don’t go away without an emergency dental kit handy.

In case accidents do happen, it’s best to be prepared. Whether in your car, briefcase, or purse, you might want to consider carrying around a small first-aid kit specifically packed with supplies for a dental emergency. As Red Apple Pediatric Dental suggests, this could include gauze, pain relievers, and even a small container to store knocked-out teeth until they can be dealt with.

9 – Don’t allow a sugary treat free-for-all.

Over the summer, the opportunities to indulge in sugary treats abound. With every birthday party, carnival, summer camp, and movie night comes a new treat that is hard on the teeth. To protect against resultant tooth decay, enforce moderation surrounding these delicious but decay-inviting options.

10 – Do keep nutritious, teeth-friendly summer snacks on hand.

Making conscious choices to keep sodas and ice cream pops out of the house is a great first step. It is even better to replace those sugary options with snacks that pack a nutritional punch. When sending your child to camp or daycare this summer, fill their lunch box with snacks high in calcium, phosphorous, and protein. Choosing nutrient-dense options like these will nourish their bodies while also strengthening their enamel against decay.

Conclusion

            Summer certainly gets full, but following these simple steps is a way to make sure that your child’s oral health doesn’t slip through the cracks. If you have further questions about how to care for your child’s teeth or would simply like to schedule your next appointment, please reach out to Chattanooga Family Dental office today at (423) – 698 – 6005 or by scheduling online.