Hydration is an essential part of dental care. Water naturally washes your child’s teeth, removing bacteria and loosening food, and boosts saliva production. When they’re out having fun in the summer heat, ensure they hydrate sufficiently with the following tips.

3 Ways to Prevent Dehydration in Kids

1. Make Water Accessible

If smaller children can’t reach the refrigerator or sink, keep water jugs and bottles in places they frequent. You can also provide a step-stool to give them a boost to the water dispensers. When they’re outside, keep a cooler with water bottles or a multi-gallon dispenser with a nozzle.

2. Add Some Flavor

Many children don’t like to drink water because it tastes bland. Freeze berries into ice cubes to add sweetness to their glasses, or turn flavored water into popsicles for cool summer treats. Just make sure to limit or get rid of sugar additives. Sugar will feed decay-causing bacteria in their mouth, which can lead to cavities, infections, and other dental care issues.

3. Buy Fun Reusable Bottles

Children may be more willing to drink water if they get to do so with a fun bottle. Let them shop for wacky straws or bottles emblazoned with their favorite cartoon characters. To ensure your child gets enough water, add a timeline on the bottle indicating how much they should drink throughout the day.

In addition to keeping your child hydrated this summer, bring them for a dental care checkup at Pedodontic Associates. As a proud member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the practice has served Hawaii for over 25 years. They build long-term relationships with patients of all ages. To make an appointment, call (808) 487-7933 for their Aiea office, (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului. You can also explore their dental care services on their website.