Dental Hygiene in The Summer

Dental Hygiene in The Summer
Posted on 08/03/2018

Dental Hygiene in The SummerThey say one swallow doesn’t make a summer, and this applies to dental hygiene as well. As warmer temperatures arrive, we know kids and families are enjoying longer days, travel plans, less routine, and plenty of ice cream! While we encourage all of these indulgences, let’s discuss ways to maintain a good dental hygiene routine so that guilty pleasures don’t lead to cavities.

Set a Bedtime

Possibly the best part of summer, staying up extra late and sleeping in a little longer can do the most damage on proper dental hygiene routines. During the school year, kids establish habits of brushing and flossing before bedtime and upon waking, but when those routines disappear, so will those good habits. This is why your dental experts at Larry Caldwell, DDS & Associates encourage parents to set a flexible bedtime during the summer so kids continue to care for their teeth. Beyond supporting healthy and strong teeth, a flexible routine in the summer will lead to a smoother transition when school schedules come back into full swing!

Camps, Classes, & Sports

Another way to create a sense of routine in the summer can come from signing your child up for camps that encourage them to explore new interests and hobbies. These activities do not need to take up an entire day or full week, but some structure will provide a sense of normalcy that kids rely and thrive on. Of course, setting a healthy balance between activities and free time is important to ensuring kids still enjoy their summer break.

Commitment

Discussing dental habits during the summer may seem out of the blue, but years of experience teach us that summer break can lead to the breakage of healthy dental habits. Talking about the subject can help keep it from escaping your kids’ minds. So, on your next camping trip or family getaway, take advantage of the opportunity to teach your child about their lifelong commitment to dental health by packing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, and committing to routines while on the go. Your kids will thank you later when their next trip to our pediatric dentistry is a positive one!

Contact Larry Caldwell, DDS & Associates Today!

Of course, making an appointment with a pediatric dentist is another sure way to maintain excellent dental health. And summer is an ideal time to make an appointment when kids do not have to miss learning time in the classroom to come in for a visit. Contact us today in our Sugar Land or Wharton, TX office to schedule your next visit now!