“I need a vacation,” said no dental routine ever.
But you and your family do need a break. Fortunately, school is out for summer! From family trips to sports and sleepovers, kids have the freedom to enjoy a much-needed vacation.
Remember – summer is a break, not a free-for-all. While it’s fine to slack off on school year structure, it’s important to keep some systems in place. Help your family enjoy summer without sacrificing their smile:
1. Keep it consistent.
While they may try to convince you otherwise, kids do better with a routine. It’s fine to bend bedtime rules (it’s summer after all), just make sure you and your little ones are getting at least 8 hours of shut-eye per night. Sleep is crucial to your mood, body and smile.
Hold on to healthy habits like brushing and flossing. Just like summer reading, dental neglect can stack up. Let kids pick their favorite summer activities, not whether or not they brush their teeth. All it takes is 2 minutes, 2 times a day.
2. Begin with a brush.
One of the best parts about summer is sleeping in sans snooze button. Unsurprisingly, teens sleep more during the summer than they do during the school year. As soon as you wake up from your extended summer slumber, book it to the bathroom and put the pedal to the paste. Here’s why:
While you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva and dries out. That decrease in spit equals an increase in bacteria. So, once you wake, take 2 minutes to brush your teeth and tongue to get rid of the influx of nighttime bacteria.
3. Make sweet swaps.
Shave ice, ice cream and popsicles are just a few ono treats. While we invite icy indulgences on occasion, sugary treats can be harsh to your teeth. Instead of shunning sweets, why not give your favorites a makeover?
Trick your taste buds and treat your teeth! Swap sugar for sweetener with this creamy coconut ice cream, or use fresh fruit to make flavorful frozen popsicles.
This summer let your worries go…not your dental routine. Enjoy your vacation!
