Summer break is starting for many kids, and we want them to avoid the risk of tooth decay while home from school. This is possible with both at-home oral hygiene habits and routine visits to our office. In today’s blog, Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, talks about protecting children’s smiles during summer break.
Brushing and Flossing
Without the structure of school, some kids could become a bit lax in their daily routine. Be sure you instruct them to brush and floss daily! Kids should start their day by brushing for two minutes when they wake up, and then doing the same before they go to bed. Each session should involve a toothbrush with soft bristles, they can use electric or manual, and a fluoride toothpaste to help keep outer enamel strong. They also need to floss every evening before they go to bed, as this helps remove the bits of food a toothbrush may not be able to reach. They need to floss up and down each side of every tooth, and do so before they brush that second time.
Watching Your Sugar Intake
This is a bit of advice that is important for adults and kids alike! When we consume too many snack cakes, cookies, chips, and other foods high in sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles that harmful bacteria love to feed on, which then creates the plaque and tartar buildup that promotes tooth decay and gingivitis. Try to offer fresh fruits, veggies, low fat yogurt, cheese, whole grain breads and crackers, and other healthier alternatives. Beware that dried fruits lack the water content that helps rinse away the sugars, and that sports drinks, energy drinks, sodas, and fruit juice could all provide bacteria with a meal of sugar! Encourage plenty of water, which is also important for keeping them hydrated during the summer heat.
Checkups and Cleanings
Since they can see us without missing school or extracurricular activities, now is a great time to schedule a checkup and cleaning for your child. We can examine the smile, treat issues we uncover, and then clean the teeth to remove the layers of plaque and tartar completely. We can also discuss treatments like fluoride and dental sealants to help further protect little smiles from tooth decay. If you have any questions about how to better protect your child’s smile during summer break, or if you want to schedule a checkup and cleaning now, then reach out to our team today to learn more and get started.
Dental Impressions Offers Family Dentistry
Our team wants to help protect smiles of all ages during summer break, so be sure to see us soon for a checkup and cleaning. To schedule an appointment for your whole family, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
