Top tips for family summer smiles

Families with young children

At the end of a long year, it’s great to look forward to family holidays and the chance to relax.  And although we all can’t wait for a chance to wind down, there will be some habits which need maintaining, whether we’re having a break or not.  Caring for our own, as well as our children’s teeth is an essential part of healthcare which we can’t afford to forget.

Children’s teeth are precious, setting the foundation for adult teeth to follow.  Decay in a child’s teeth increases the risk of decay occurring in permanent teeth, so start early with caring for your child’s teeth.

Four top tips for great summer smiles

1. Holiday celebrations often include food and drinks, many of which are high in sugar. This, in combination with more opportunity to snack throughout the day, can increase the risk of tooth decay. Provide your children with healthy snack options which will satisfy their cravings without risking their oral health. Cheese and wholemeal crackers, vegetable sticks, fresh fruit and dairy products are all good alternatives to sweets, biscuits and cakes. Offer milk and water as tooth friendly drinks and make sure your kids stay well hydrated. This will help boost the protective qualities of their saliva.  
2. Have your child fitted with a custom made mouth guard if they’re playing summer contact sports. All teeth are precious and mouth guards are a great way to protect teeth both during games and practice.   
3. Make an appointment for your child’s dental check-up. School holidays are a perfect time to book an appointment as we are open
4. Make sure your children brush their teeth twice each day and floss daily. They’ll need your help until they’re around 8 or 9 years to brush effectively. Provide children’s fluoridated toothpaste until they’re six years old when they can transition to adult fluoridated toothpaste. And remember, thorough tooth brushing just before bed at night is very important.

Importantly

Book an appointment for your child to be seen by a dentist over the festive break. Dentists at Pacific Smiles Dental are experts when it comes to supporting children and their parents to develop sound oral health habits. We’re available throughout the holiday season.

References

https://www.ada.org.au/

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/3-tips-for-healthy-summer-smiles

https://www.pacificsmilesdental.com.au/news/sip-smart-this-summer-for-healthy-teeth/

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Dental_care/