Children's Dental Health in the Summer
Why Summer Brings Unique Dental Challenges
Summer is a season full of excitement and fun for kids. Between swimming, sports, vacations, and sleepovers, their schedules differ from the normal school year. With all the fun comes a shift in habits that can create extra challenges for your child's dental health.
More sugary treats, late nights, and missed brushing routines can lead to cavities or gum issues if you're not careful. At Smilodon Dental in Nashville, we encourage families to enjoy summer while keeping a close eye on healthy habits that protect children's smiles. Here are a few simple tips you can use to keep your kid smiling throughout the year.
Hydration Matters More Than You Think
The hot Tennessee sun can take a toll on kids, especially when they are running around outdoors. While it may be tempting to hand them sports drinks or sodas, water is always the best choice. Water prevents dehydration, rinses food particles, and helps maintain a balanced level of saliva, which naturally protects teeth.
A good tip is to keep refillable water bottles handy during outings, sports practices, and pool days. Choosing water over sugary drinks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to safeguard your child's dental health in the summer.
Snacking Smarter During Summer Break
With long days at home or on the go, kids often snack more during summer than during the school year. Unfortunately, these snacks are often foods like candy, gummy fruit snacks, and chips, which tend to stick to teeth and feed bacteria, increasing the chance of cavities.
Instead, stock your kitchen with tooth-friendly options such as cheese, yogurt, apple slices, carrot sticks, and nuts. These choices keep your child fueled for fun and strengthen teeth and gums. Pairing snacks with a glass of water can help wash away residue and keep enamel safe.
Don’t Skip the Dental Routine
When days are busy and nights are late, it's easy for kids to forget about brushing and flossing. However, this one area should never take a vacation. Make brushing part of the morning and bedtime routine, even when traveling or staying with family.
A travel dental kit with a small toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss is perfect for road trips and sleepovers. Setting reminders or tying brushing to another routine, like reading a bedtime story, helps children stay consistent.
Sports, Swimming, and Smiles
Sports are a big part of summer, and while they are great for staying active, they can also put teeth at risk. A custom-fitted mouthguard is among the best investments if your child plays contact sports. It reduces the risk of broken or chipped teeth and can even prevent jaw injuries.
Swimming is another summer favorite, but chlorine can sometimes cause staining or weaken enamel with constant exposure.
While it won't affect every child, keeping up with regular brushing and rinsing after swimming can minimize any risks. Our team at Smilodon Dental can also guide you on how to protect your child's smile if they are frequent swimmers.
Back-to-School Checkups Start in Summer
Summer is also ideal for scheduling your child's routine dental checkup. With school starting in August, it's one less thing to worry about once classes are in full swing. These visits allow us to clean away plaque, check for cavities, and ensure your child's teeth grow as they should. A back-to-school appointment is a proactive way to set your child up for success both in the classroom and on the playground.
Contact Smilodon Dental for a Healthy Summer Smile
At Smilodon Dental, we care about your family's smiles year-round. Summer should be a time of fun, not dental problems. By staying mindful of hydration, snacks, sports safety, and regular brushing, you can help your child enjoy the season without setbacks.
If it has been more than six months since your child's last appointment, schedule a visit with us today. Our team is here to make dental care simple, comfortable, and effective so your child can focus on making the most of summer.
