As the summer sun beckons our kids outdoors for endless days of fun and adventure, it's easy for routines to fall by the wayside. While we cheer them on as they chase after ice cream trucks, splash in the pool, and stay up late for family movie nights, there's one routine that needs to stay as steadfast as ever: their dental hygiene. Maintaining oral health during these carefree months is crucial, and parents play a pivotal role in ensuring those bright smiles stay healthy and vibrant.Summertime brings a host of sugary treats, irregular schedules, and more opportunities for our kids to forget about brushing and flossing. But by keeping dental care front and center, you can help them avoid cavities, toothaches, and other dental problems that can put a damper on their summer fun.Let's dive into some tips and tricks to make dental hygiene a breeze, even during the most action-packed summer days.Set Up a Summer Dental RoutineWhen you start preparing for your trips this summer, make sure you establish a routine that can transition into vacations, sleepovers, and when your child wants to sleep in a little late on vacation. Children should brush twice a day—once when they get up and once before they fall asleep.Wake-up time and bedtime tend to fluctuate slightly over summer break, but sticking to a set bedtime and reminding them to brush when they wake up will help keep them on track.

Kick off the summer with a new kid-friendly toothbrush, a fresh pack of floss, and the right toothpaste. The ADA still only recommends fluoride toothpaste for adults and kids who can spit. An alternative to fluoride for remineralization and cavity protection is hydroxyapatite. If your child doesn’t like the “spicy” taste of regular toothpaste, they can use toothpaste that typically contains a sweet and fruity flavor.

Pack Healthy SnacksWhile it’s tempting to stock the pantry and fridge with sugary foods to keep kids occupied and satisfied during the summer, it’s important to pack foods ahead of time that have less sugar but are still a treat such as fresh fruit, yogurt, trail mix, popcorn, or crackers.When children are home, parents should limit sugary snacks and drinks around the house, and if there’s less parental supervision or your children are with friends, keep sugary treats out of reach.Stay HydratedBetween being in sports and playing outside, kids are more prone to dehydration in the summertime. Staying hydrated is not only crucial for general health reasons but also for oral health.Dehydration leads to a reduction of saliva which is a defense against cavities. Regular water intake during activities not only keeps children hydrated but also rinses away food particles and bacteria that can cause decay over time.Schedule a Dental CheckupSummer is a great time to schedule a dental checkup for your child without having to miss school. Children are often more relaxed during summer break, which can help reduce anxiety about visiting the dentist.Increased consumption of sugary treats and irregular brushing habits are common during the summer, and regular checkups can help detect any dental problems early on and prevent more serious issues in the future. A checkup can identify and address any emerging dental issues before they become more serious, and having time off from school allows time to heal.Ensuring that any potential dental problems are addressed over the summer means children can start the new school year with clean oral health.Have a Plan in Place for Dental EmergenciesThere’s always the possibility of a dental injury over the summer from partaking in sports and outdoor activities such as riding a bike, playing tag, or playing at the park. Common dental injuries include chipped or fractured teeth, which can occur from falls, collisions, or biting hard objects. Knocked-out teeth are also a significant concern, often resulting from direct trauma to the mouth.Additionally, soft tissue injuries such as cuts or bruises to the gums, lips, and cheeks are also common. You can prepare for potential injuries this summer by making sure your children know who to call in case of emergency. Going over your cell phone number with them and helping them to memorize it will ensure they’re prepared.Don’t Let Summer Be a Setback for Your Kid’s Oral HealthSummer break is a time for relaxation and fun, but don’t let summer set back proper oral health for your child. Establishing a consistent oral care routine, regardless of location, reinforces good habits and ensures healthy teeth and gums throughout the season. Preparing for summer trips with healthier snacks, staying hydrated, and scheduling dental checkups can prevent potential problems and address any emerging issues before the new school year begins.Lastly, being mindful of dental injuries from summer activities and ensuring children know what to do in case of an emergency can mitigate these risks.

If you’re looking for a new toothbrush to kick off the summer or the right toothpaste for your child, Better & Better has the oral care essentials you need to maintain healthy summer smiles.

Dr. Jaclyn Tomsic, MD, DMD, FACS, is a board-certified Oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMF) based out of Cleveland, OH. OMF involves extensive dental and medical education and training to achieve surgical expertise and an unparalleled understanding of esthetics. Being an OMF surgeon qualifies Dr. Tomsic to treat conditions, defects, injuries, and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaw, and face. Learn more about Dr. Jacci on her WEBSITE, and follow her on Instagram at @DOCTORJACCI.