Summers are full of fun, frolicking in the sun, and memory-making moments. But this is no time to neglect your oral health. Dr. Coates shares how to prevent dental problems and keep a healthy smile during the summer by following seven simple tips!
Tip One – Keep Your Routine
You may find your kids sleeping in when they don’t have to rush to beat the school bell. But it’s essential that they get up, have a healthy breakfast, and brush and floss their teeth. And on those nights when the kids get to bed after midnight, we must remind them to brush before they retire for the night.
Ensure that your kids brush twice a day for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Direct them to floss at least once a day to get into those spaces between their teeth.
Tip Two – Go Easy on the Sweet Treats
On hot summer days, it’s easy to reach for juices and soft drinks to cool off. But it’s important to limit how much of these they enjoy. Water is better for hydration, and it doesn’t harm their pearly whites. Milk with meals is also a healthy choice.
Make sure you make healthy snacks available and encourage them to eat a healthy meal when they are hungry. There is nothing wrong with the occasional snack, but we often find that our children journey to the fridge and pantry several times a day on the hunt for snacks. When they partake in sweet snacks, make sure they brush right after.
Tip Three – Your Teeth Aren’t Tools
Your teeth are for chewing food, not for opening bottles and other items. Doing that can chip or break a tooth. Not only is this extremely painful for your child, but it can also be very costly for you.
Tip Four – Invest in a Mouthguard
When your kids participate in summer sports, protect their teeth with a mouthguard. These helpful devices help to prevent expensive sports injuries. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Coates before summer to have your child fitted for a custom mouthguard for the best protection.
Tip Five – Spread on the Lip Balm
Use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and wear sunglasses to protect yourself from the heat and sun. And don’t forget the SPF 15 or higher lip balm to protect your lips from UV rays.
Tip Six – Build a Relationship with Your Dentist
If you and your family don’t have a regular dentist, it’s never too late to get one. It’s important to be consistent with your dental checkups. When you see the same dentist regularly, they can identify changes in your mouth. Seeing the same hygienist, dentist, and office staff can also help kids get comfortable with the process.
Tip Seven – Schedule Your Back-to-School Dental Visit Early
When you begin thinking about back-to-school shopping, remember that a clean and sparkly smile will help your kids put their best foot forward. Getting their dental checkup during the summer is the best way to avoid missing time from school. Before school starts, families rush to get their kids in for dental appointments. Make sure that you book your dental checkup and cleaning appointment early.
Dr. Stephen Coates would love to be your family dentist. Our Long Beach practice is committed to your oral health, working every day to restore, enhance, and maintain the natural beauty of our patient’s smiles. Our staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 562-434-6414 or requesting your appointment online.
