When kids finish the school year, you may plan fun vacations and enroll them in activities to pass the time during summer. However, you might also wonder how to prioritize their oral health during the long break to prevent the development of tooth decay and cavities. Below, you'll find helpful dental care advice to help your children maintain their smiles.

A Summer Guide to Pediatric Dental Health

1. Eat Healthy Snacks 

During summer, kids often enjoy eating popsicles and ice cream to stay cool. They also often snack on sugary or starchy snacks, such as candy and potato chips, while watching TV and spending time with friends. However, bacteria in the mouth consume these substances, causing these microbes to reproduce more rapidly and leave plaque on teeth. 

To prevent cavities and tooth decay, have your children enjoy sugary or starchy foods in moderation. Substitute these snacks for fresh fruit, veggie sticks with hummus, and low-fat yogurt for healthier alternatives.

2. Drink Plenty of Water 

Drinking water ensures your children stay hydrated during summer, especially if they play outdoors or participate in recreational activities. It can also cleanse the teeth of bacteria and plaque, making cavities less likely to develop. 

Provide your young ones with about four to eight cups of water daily. Additionally, minimize their intake of sports drinks, sodas, and fruit juices. These fluids often contain added sugars that increase the risk of cavities.

3. Stick to a Brushing Schedule 

During the academic year, your children get accustomed to brushing and flossing before bedtime and going to school in the mornings. When school is out of session, they need to maintain their usual dental care routine.

Because they must brush and floss twice daily, encourage your kids to practice this habit every morning and evening during the summer. You can reward children for sticking to their schedule by giving them extra screen time or scheduling play dates on the weekends.

4. Invest in a Mouthguard

During the summer, your children might participate in summer sports, such as baseball or soccer. If they fall, collide with another player, or a ball makes contact with their face, they can experience tooth loss or damage. Prevent this situation by allowing a pediatric dentist to fit your children with a custom mouthguard. This device, made from flexible acrylic, fits comfortably over the teeth and can protect against damaging impacts.

Promote the health of your child's teeth, mouth, and gums during the summer with help from Pedodontic Associates in Hawaii. This pediatric dentist provides many dental care services to kids throughout Oahu and Maui, including teeth cleanings, oral exams, and fillings. Call (808) 487-7933 for the Aiea location, (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu office, or (808) 877-0066 for the Kahului clinic to book an appointment. Visit the website for more preventative dental care advice.