For kids, summer is a time to relax away from school and enjoy the many pleasantries of the season. However, while this time of year is a little more leisurely, it doesn’t mean that children should ease up on their dental care routine. To avoid unnecessary trips to the pediatric dentist, here are three ways you can help protect your little one’s smile throughout the summer.

3 Summertime Dental Care Tips for Kids

1. Stay Smart About Sugar

Between pool parties and picnics, kids are exposed to lots of sugary treats, like ice cream, popsicles, soda, and lemonade. While it’s okay to enjoy these snacks every so often, you want to make sure they don’t take over your child’s diet. The sugars in these foods and drinks are processed by oral bacteria, producing acids that harm teeth. Over time, this enamel wear will lead to cavities that need to be filled by a pediatric dentist. To avoid a dental problem, stick to tooth-friendly snacks, such as cheese, apples, and nuts. If your child does indulge in a sweet treat, pair it with another healthy food so that the sugar will have less of an opportunity to bond to the tooth enamel. Afterward, encourage them to rinse their mouth with water.

2. Set Reminders for Your Oral Hygiene Routine

During the academic year, kids tend to follow a routine that mirrors the school schedule.  But when summer rolls around, young students are more likely to wake up—and stay up—later. Between vacations, play dates, and summer camp, kids may not always remember that they need to practice good oral hygiene every day. As such, it’s helpful to set reminders that will encourage your child to brush at least twice a day for two-minute periods and floss at least once daily.

3. Drink More Water  

When the weather is hot, people sweat more and deplete their bodies of this essential fluid. When children become dehydrated, they are likely to experience dry mouth—a problem that allows harmful oral bacteria to thrive. If left unaddressed, persistent dry mouth can lead to cavities and gum disease development. This is why pediatric dentists encourage parents to make sure their kids are drinking enough water throughout the day—especially in the summer.

Since kids tend to have slower schedules during the summer, it’s a great time for parents to schedule routine visits with a pediatric dentist. For residents of Kerrville, TX, Hill Country Dental Associates can provide comfortable and fun preventative care to help keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy. This skilled team also provides advanced treatments, such as fillings, to remedy dental care problems in a kid-friendly fashion. To learn more about these services, visit this family dental office online. For appointments, call (830) 257-3000.