It’s likely that this summer will look very different than any your family has had before, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Now is a great time to relax by the pool, have fun in the sun, and teach your child how to care for their smile. The last thing your son or daughter needs is a cavity or toothache during their summer vacation. Your Hoover children’s dentist shares five tips to keep that precious smile sunny all season long.
Tip #1: Create a Fun Dental Routine
If at-home oral hygiene feels like a chore, your little one won’t be enthusiastic about it. Get them excited to take care of their smile by:
- Playing a catchy song or reading to them for two minutes while they brush their teeth.
- Letting them choose their own cartoon-themed toothbrush or fun-flavored toothpaste.
- Being a good role model and brushing your teeth with them!
Tip #2: Enjoy Summer Activities Safely
Your child may not be playing very many outdoor, team-based games this summer because of COVID-19. However, you can still play games like tag or football with the family members you live with or make a backyard water park with your hose! Just make sure your son or daughter’s smile is safe as well. Remind them to wear a mouthguard while playing sports and not to run on wet surfaces, especially by the pool.
Tip #3: Choose Smile-Friendly Snacks
While ice cream, soda, and other sugary snacks may be popular this time of year, they can quickly lead to painful cavities. Instead of junk food, stock up on snacks that promote better oral health, like:
- Cheese, canned salmon, and other calcium-rich foods to strengthen their teeth and jawbone.
- Carrots, celery, and other fibrous vegetables that scrub away plaque and reduce tooth decay.
- Oranges, broccoli, and other sources of vitamin C, which promote a strong immune system and healthy gum tissue.
Tip #4: Remember to Drink Lots of Water
Sports drinks and sodas may be tasty, but these acidic beverages easily burn through tooth enamel and cause cavities. Even some fruit juices contain enough sugar and acid that they can increase your son or daughter’s risk of tooth decay! Instead, encourage your family to drink more water. Not only will this flush out toxins and keep them hydrated, but fluoridated tap water will strengthen their teeth as well!
Tip #5: Schedule Your Child’s Biannual Checkup
It may not be the first item on your summer vacation to-do list, but now is an excellent opportunity to schedule your child’s biannual dental checkup. A more flexible schedule means more availability to schedule their appointment and more time to put new oral health habits into place. Additionally, their dentist may be able to spot and stop an issue before you leave for your family vacation.
Remember, the most important way to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this summer is to practice social distancing. However, while you’re at home with your family, try these five simple tips to keep everyone’s smiles happy and healthy!
About the Author
Dr. Marc W. Moulton has over three decades of experience keeping the smiles of Hoover, AL and the surrounding communities happy, healthy, and safe. He and his team have always focused on providing excellent preventive care to stop oral health issues before they start. With routine checkups twice a year, he can ensure that your child’s smile is healthy and their oral development is on track. If you or your child need to come in for urgent dental care, he is committed to keeping you safe in these unusual times, so don’t hesitate to contact him via his website or at (205) 988-3360.