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Ways to Have a Cavity-Free Summer!

As the days get longer and summer excitement fills the air, it’s important to help your child make healthy choices to maintain a cavity-free smile. Our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is a proponent of prevention to keep dental disease at bay. We are happy to share five tips to safeguard your child’s smile this summer and all year long.

Tip #1  Maintain a Regular Oral Hygiene Routine

It’s easy to forget to care for those pearly whites during summer vacation. However, oral bacteria don’t take a break, so it’s important to keep up with daily brushing and flossing routines. Remind your little one to brush twice daily for at least two minutes and floss even those hard-to-reach teeth in the back of the mouth. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will help prevent tooth decay.

Tip #2  Choose Smile-Friendly Treats

Summer brings along lazy days and an array of sugary foods and drinks, including ice cream, sodas, and juice. While it’s tempting to indulge in these goodies, too much sugar provides harmful bacteria an abundant food source. As they feast, the bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Instead of food high in sugar content, encourage your child to reach out for teeth-healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, string cheese, and yogurt.

Tip #3  Stay Hydrated

As summer temperatures soar, encourage your child to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Water helps rinse the mouth, neutralizes acids, and prevents dry mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Make it fun by choosing a reusable water bottle your child loves and challenging your little one to drink water all day long. Staying hydrated boosts your child’s overall health and helps maintain a fresh, cavity-free smile.

Tip #4  Plan for Days Away

If you have travel plans, summer camps, or sleepovers, make sure you prepare anoral care kit. Take your little one shopping and choose travel-size toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. It’s important to ensure your child maintains good oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing, even when on vacation away from home.

Tip #5  Visit Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist

It’s essential to keep up with your child’s regular, twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Our pediatric dental team will clean those pearly whites, provide guidance on oral hygiene practices, and may recommend fluoride treatment to keep tooth decay at bay.

During your child’s visit, we will also perform a comprehensive examination to identify and treat any problems early on, preventing them from progressing and needing extensive treatments down the road. Summer appointments are an excellent opportunity to complete any needed dental work and start the school year with a healthy, pain-free smile.

Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for more tips about maintaining healthy summer smiles. Dr. Patel and his dedicated team are happy to work alongside you to establish healthy habits for long-term oral health. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.