A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Child’s Dental Health

The CDC highlights that cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the United States.”They note that over half of children aged 6 to 8 have experienced at least one cavity in their baby teeth. The issue of poor dental health affects numerous children nationwide. While it might be tempting to skip dental check-ups or indulge your child with yet another popsicle, we urge you to prioritize your child’s oral health this summer. Here, we present five effective strategies to help you support your child’s dental health as the summer season approaches.

1. Avoid dental emergencies.

One of the quickest ways to jeopardize a child’s dental health is through a knocked-out tooth—something that can easily happen during the summer months with all the slippery pool surfaces, bouncy trampoline springs, and energetic soccer matches. Kids should enjoy their summer activities, and we’re not suggesting you keep them away from the pool or wrap them in protective gear. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential dental emergencies. As you and your children engage in summer fun, consider implementing additional measures to safeguard their teeth. These measures may include:

Following the lifeguard’s instructions.

Walk, don’t run. Summer activities like slip-n’-slides, water parks, and slippery pool decks can lead to dental injuries. Encourage your children to be cautious in these settings and to avoid roughhousing where they might slip. No one wants to deal with a cracked or lost tooth.

Encourage the use of mouthguards during sports.

The ADA states that using a mouthguard can significantly lower the risk of dental injuries related to sports. If your child participates in summer sports, especially contact sports like football or wrestling, provide them with a mouthguard. They might not be thrilled about it, but it’s a small price to pay for protecting their smile.

Take good care of dental equipment.

If your child is at the age where they need braces, you’re likely aware that they might feel some discomfort from the wires or could even have a band or bracket come loose. To help maintain their braces in optimal condition during the summer, motivate your child to adhere to all the recommendations provided by their orthodontist. Specifically, remind them to stick to the guidelines regarding braces-friendly foods and those to avoid. Just one piece of sticky taffy at the beach carnival could lead to a broken bracket.

2. Choose summer treats that are kind to your teeth.

During the summer, our diets often include a variety of favorites that aren’t particularly good for our dental health, and both kids and adults can easily indulge in these. You can likely name a few right away—popsicles, kettle corn, taffy, corn on the cob, lemonade, potato chips… the list goes on! It’s common for everyone to develop eating habits that may not support healthy teeth. A great way to address this during the summer is to replace unhealthy snacks with healthier, yet still delicious, options that are better for dental health.

The fantastic news is that many of these tooth-friendly choices are also beneficial for overall health. Take popsicles, for instance—who doesn’t enjoy having a box of them in the freezer during the hot months? Instead of opting for store-bought varieties, which are often loaded with sugar and preservatives, consider making your own using fruit juice and a popsicle mold. While these homemade treats still contain some sugar and acid and should be enjoyed in moderation, they are a healthier alternative to most commercial options. Plus, involving your kids in the preparation can make it a fun activity!

3. Make water their main beverage.

The significance of water for your child’s health cannot be overstated—it plays a vital role not just in their dental health but in their overall well-being. This necessity becomes even more pronounced during the summer months. According to Children’s Health, children’s bodies are not as efficient at cooling down as adults, which makes them more prone to dehydration. Their risk of dehydration also increases as temperatures rise.

Proper hydration is key to helping your child avoid heat-related illness and health complications. Their bodies require water urgently, and so do their teeth. Water is a primary source of fluoride, a mineral that strengthens teeth against decay. Insufficient fluoride can leave a child’s teeth susceptible to cavities. Additionally, water helps wash away food particles and combats dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. While it’s essential to ensure your kids drink plenty of water during the summer, it’s equally important that they choose water over other beverages most of the time.

An occasional soda at a Fourth of July barbecue is acceptable, but it shouldn’t become a daily habit. As reported by VeryWellHealth, a 12-ounce can of Coke contains 39 grams of sugar (about 10 teaspoons), which is more than 80% of the recommended daily intake for a healthy diet. The sugars and acids in sodas initiate a harmful reaction in your child’s teeth that can last for at least 20 minutes after each sip. And what about sports drinks? You might assume they are a healthier option, but they can actually be worse. WebMD states that these drinks can have as much or more sugar and acid than many sodas and juices. The takeaway? Kids need water, and they don’t really need soda. Encourage them to choose water this summer as much as possible.

4. Encourage them to take charge of their dental health when they’re ready.

Absolutely—summer is an ideal opportunity to involve your kids in their dental care! If your children are on the verge of being able to brush or floss independently, take advantage of the extra time and flexibility that summer brings. While it may seem unusual to liken brushing teeth or flossing to potty training, dedicating a few days, a week, or even a month during the summer to focus on these skills could be just what they need to master them. This season is also a great time to implement a reward system. During the school year, life can get so hectic that it’s easy to forget about the sticker you promised for each solo brushing session or the ice cream treat for a completed chart.

However, with the slower pace of summer, these strategies can be more effective. You’re more likely to keep your promises, which in turn encourages your child to adopt the desired behavior of taking care of their dental health. That said, it’s important to be cautious about giving too much responsibility too soon. Some experts suggest that children may not have the dexterity to brush effectively on their own until they are around 7 or 8 years old, while others believe readiness comes when they can tie their shoes independently. The key is to assess whether your child can manage a thorough job without help; if not, it’s best to assist them.

However, if they are ready for a bit more autonomy, provide that opportunity. Celebrate their efforts with praise or small rewards for brushing or flossing well without reminders. This will help reinforce the positive dental habits you want to instill. By teaching them the significance of dental hygiene, you are laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy oral health.