In the next week or two, schools across the DFW area will be letting kids out for summer break! Which means lots of kids enjoying a little more sugary sweets and sodas than they normally would. But with a few tips from your Dallas, TX, family dentist, you can help protect their smiles over the long summer break!
Brushing and Flossing
Kids tend to fall off of their routines during the summer break, but make sure they continue to brush and floss as they would during school! Even on their days off, kids of all ages need to start their day by brushing for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. They need to do the same in the evenings, and floss thoroughly before they brush that second time. These actions help dislodge trapped food and drink particles, which limits the severity of plaque and helps keep issues like tooth decay, infection, and gingivitis at bay. Removing them also means fresher breath and brighter smiles too!
Healthy Snacks and Drinks
What we eat and drink has a major impact on our oral health. When we go overboard in items high in sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles for harmful oral bacteria to break down, a process that creates the plaque and tartar buildup linked to everything from bad breath and teeth stains to cavities and gum disease. Instead, make sure they drink plenty of water and eat healthier snack options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Remember, even supposedly healthy drinks like fruit juice and sports drinks still contain a lot of sugars and acids that can harm smiles!
Make Time for Checkups and Cleanings
Now is a great time to see the dentist, because your little ones don’t have to miss school and risk falling behind. Consider a visit for a checkup and cleaning, so we can help them start summer on the path to stronger smiles, and we can also address common concerns like tooth decay with a filling. If you have older teens in high school or about to start college, we can see if they have wisdom teeth poised to erupt, and then extract them before they cause damage to the smile.
If you have any questions about how we help keep your family’s smiles strong and healthy, then contact our team today. The path to a bright and beautiful smile starts with a simple checkup and cleaning, so see our team soon!
Your Dallas, TX, Dentist Offers Children’s and Family Dentistry
With a few simple steps, you can help your kids protect their smiles from poor oral health. For more information on maintaining good oral hygiene, then please schedule a consultation by calling the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
