Summer break is here, and at Dr. Jerry Farrell, we know how schedules can quickly go out the window when kids are home all day. While summer brings fun, freedom, and relaxation, it shouldn’t mean taking a vacation from good dental habits! Let’s look at some simple ways to maintain your kids’ dental care during these sunny months.

Why Summer Can Be Tough on Teeth

When school is out, several factors can impact your child’s dental health:

  • Irregular schedules: Without the structure of school, regular brushing times might be forgotten.
  • Increased snacking: Being home all day often leads to more frequent snacking.
  • Sugary summer treats: Ice cream, popsicles, and sodas become more common.
  • Sleepovers and camps: Dental routines often get forgotten during overnight activities.
  • Sports and activities: Summer fun can sometimes lead to dental injuries.

The good news is that with a little planning, you can help protect your kids’ teeth all summer long.

Creating a Summer Dental Routine

Even though days might look different during summer break, dental care needs to remain consistent. Try these approaches:

Set new brushing reminders 

Instead of the usual “brush before school” rule, create new triggers that make sense for summer days. Maybe it’s “brush before pool time” or “brush before we leave the house for the day.” Visual reminders in the bathroom can help too.

Make a brushing calendar 

Create a simple chart where kids can place stickers or check off each time they brush and floss. Small weekly rewards for a completed chart can motivate consistent care.

Pack a “dental go-bag” 

For days at the pool, park visits, or sleepovers, pack a small bag with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. This makes it easier to maintain care even during busy summer activities.

Lead by example 

Let your kids see that your own dental routine doesn’t take a summer break. Brushing together as a family can be fun and reinforces the importance of dental care.

Making Healthy Summer Choices

Summer eating habits can affect dental health, but you don’t have to ban all fun foods. Instead, try these balanced approaches:

Create a snack schedule 

Rather than all-day grazing, which constantly exposes teeth to food particles and acids, set specific snack times. This gives teeth a break between eating sessions.

Stock smile-friendly options 

Keep plenty of tooth-healthy snacks available: cheese cubes, yogurt, cut veggies, fresh fruits, and nuts. These foods can actually help protect and strengthen teeth.

Choose better sweet treats 

When enjoying summer sweets, opt for options that clear from the mouth quickly. For example, a chocolate bar is better than sticky caramels or hard candies that stay in the mouth for long periods.

Make water the go-to drink 

Keep water bottles filled and readily available. Consider adding fresh fruit for flavor if your kids resist plain water. Limit sugary drinks to occasional treats rather than everyday options.

Protecting Active Smiles

Summer usually means more physical activity, which is great for overall health but can pose risks to teeth:

Get a sports mouthguard 

If your children are participating in summer sports, a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent dental injuries. Ask us about custom options at your next visit.

Know how to handle emergencies 

Make sure you have our office number programmed in your phone. For knocked-out teeth, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and call us immediately.

Schedule a Summer Checkup

Summer is actually the perfect time for dental visits! Without school schedules to work around, you can schedule appointments at convenient times without your child missing classes.

A mid-summer dental checkup ensures any issues are caught early and gives your child a professional cleaning to keep their smile bright. Plus, our team can provide personalized advice for your family’s summer dental care.

At Dr. Jerry Farrell, we’re here to support your family’s oral health year-round. Schedule your children’s summer dental visits and let’s keep those smiles shining bright all season long.

Call our office at 607-304-3993 today to set up summer appointments for the whole family. You can also request an appointment online if you prefer. Your children’s smiles deserve vacation-ready care!