With summer in full swing, your kids are probably enjoying the warm weather while exploring your neighborhood or spending time with friends. While their teeth may be the last thing on their minds, it’s still just as important as ever to ensure they maintain good oral hygiene habits between visits to the dentist. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help your kids keep their smiles bright and healthy before school starts again.

Tooth Care Tips Every Parent Should Follow Before School Starts

1. Keep Them on a Routine

Just because school’s out doesn’t mean children shouldn’t keep up with their daily dental hygiene routines. Throughout the summer, and especially as school starts back up, make sure your kids are brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, plus one daily session of flossing.

You can also give them fluoride-enriched mouthwash to stop the spread of oral bacteria. If you have smaller children, practice brushing and flossing correctly with them, or play songs or games to help them clean their teeth for the appropriate amount of time.

2. Avoid Sugary Drinks and Snacks

Lots of kids like to indulge in sweet treats during the summer, whether they’re drinking soda at outdoor events or eating cake and other sugary snacks at friends' birthday parties. While it’s fine to allow your little ones sugar now and then, make sure they’re not overindulging.

Instead, offer tooth-healthy snacks like fresh fruit, juice, or whole-grain crackers to help them stay refreshed and energetic. Pack these in their lunchbox, too. Save the sugar for special occasions and serve it in moderation.

3. Encourage Them to Hydrate

Drinking water is important not only for beating the heat but also for protecting the teeth and the gums. Kids who drink plenty of fresh water each day will be able to produce more saliva to avoid dry mouth and the bacterial infections that can accompany it. Furthermore, water will rinse away food particles and germs which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Have kids drink plenty when playing in the summertime, and give them a water bottle to take with them to school. Making hydration a habit will keep your children cool and safe and help them to avoid unexpected trips to the dentist.

This summer, help your little ones keep their teeth clean and healthy with help from Elizabeth A. Loseke, DDS, in Kearney, NE. Dr. Loseke has over 20 years of experience as a dentist and uses the latest techniques and equipment to offer routine cleanings, examinations, and other treatments for patients of all ages. Call (308) 234-4564 to schedule an appointment, and visit her website to learn more about her services.