Show me a kid who doesn’t love summer vacation and I’ll show you a kid that… I don’t really know. All kids love summer, right?
And with good reason! Whether it’s going on vacation with family, at summer camp, swimming, barbecuing, or just hanging out with friends, summer is bursting at the seams with cool activities!
It’s worth remembering, of course, that while kids are enjoying these awesome pastimes, they’re also at a higher risk than at other times of year of developing cavities, plaque, and even tartar.
Today, while kids everywhere are basking in their well-earned time off, we’re here with a reminder that the risks to dental health are actually working overtime, and some tips on how to help your kids maintain their healthy smiles!
Why Is Summer a Risky Time for Children’s Teeth?
The risks to the health of children’s teeth are actually riskier in the summer. This is partly because kids’ daily routines, including those focused on oral health, tend to be thrown for a loop. Thus, kids have a tendency to neglect their normal oral hygiene practices during the summer.
Also, all of the fun summer activities that kids love tend to include a buffet of snacks (ice cream, anyone?) and beverages that are sky-high in sugar, which promotes the growth of the bacteria that lead to plaque, cavities, and tartar.
Finally, and a bit surprisingly, the substance that keeps kids free from bacteria when they’re in the swimming pool, chlorine, can erode tooth enamel and increase tooth sensitivity.
Tips for Keeping Your Kids’ Smiles Healthy This Summer
Keeping your kids’ teeth healthy throughout the summer months is a challenge. Fortunately, we’ve put together a simple three-step strategy to help you meet that challenge:
- Frequently brush and floss, twice a day at minimum, though after every sugary snack is preferable.
- Whenever possible, encourage all-natural snacks (fruit, for instance) instead of those high in processed sugars and bottled water instead of sugary drinks.
- Attend a dental cleaning and exam to ensure that no existing issues are being neglected.
Children’s Dentistry in Baton Rouge, LA
If you’re in Baton Rouge and looking for an experienced children's dentist to ensure your kids’ teeth are as healthy at the end of summer vacation as they were at the start, contact dentist Dr. Danny Palm and the team at Palm Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment!