Now that your children are finishing up their school year, they’ll have many more opportunities to play outside, be active, and spend time with their friends and family. Of course, with this extra time comes a schedule that isn’t as set in stone. It’s easy to forget about your oral health and protecting your teeth when all you can think about is having fun in the sun.
That’s why your family dentist in Superior is offering four quick and easy tips to make sure your child’s smile is healthy by the time school starts up again.
Get Your Child the Right Gear
It’s important that your child swaps their old toothbrush for a new one every three months, so let them pick out their favorite the next time you take them grocery shopping. Many child brushes are decorated with their favorite cartoon characters and superheroes, so let them choose their favorite to help motivate them to brush daily.
Additionally, if your child is particularly active, either on the field or in the swimming pool, make sure they have the proper protection. A mouthguard should always be worn if they’re playing any kind of contact sport, such as football. Keep a dental emergency kit in the car in case they slip and fall at the pool.
Pay Attention to Their Diets
Now that you aren’t packing lunches for school as often, your child may very well be getting meals at their friends house where their parents aren’t as mindful of their oral health. Make sure to emphasize the importance of keeping a healthy diet, even when ice cream popsicles, snow cones, and other frozen treat are widely available. While they’re at home, get creative with the foods you eat while still keeping a balanced diet. Eat foods that are high in water content, low in sugar, and easy to make fun shapes and animals with, such as:
- Apples, carrots, celery, pears, bananas, and watermelon
- 100% nut butter, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and low-fat yogurt
- Berries, sunflower seeds, hummus, and whole grain pita bread
- Plain water and milk
Establish a Routine
Since their schedule isn’t going to be as set in stone during the summer, make sure they get into the habit of completing a specific set of chores before they play outside or go out for the day. Make one of these chores be a full oral care routine, including brushing and flossing. Lump this chore in with making the bed, putting away laundry, and other basic chores. Repeat this process at night.
Schedule Their Dental Visit Today!
A convenient way to keep their oral health professionally monitored is to schedule their visits in the summer and winter. Your kids are far more likely to be on break for these months, so why not make it easier for the whole family? Schedule an appointment with your family dentist in Superior today to learn more about treatments that can protect your child’s oral health all year long!
About the Author
Dr. Doug Clark Jr. is fully committed to providing high-quality dental care, regardless of the patient’s age. While providing dental care to children at the Oneida Indian Clinic, he received the Children’s Dentistry Award for his dedication. To learn more about your dentist in Superior, contact him through his website.