5 Tips for a Healthy Smile this Summer:

Summer Vacation is a time to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the school year. But while letting up on routines and structure, it can be easy to slack off on your kiddo’s oral health as well.

Here are 5 tips to maintain a healthy smile this Summer:

• Stay on routine Summer can be busy and filled with fun, but make sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each time. Keeping a routine of brushing and flossing every day will continue to solidify that healthy dental habit.
• Choose Water Keep your kids hydrated this Summer by choosing water. Water will keep the mouth moist and stop harmful bacteria from collecting on the teeth.
• Avoid Carbonated or Sugary Drinks Just say no to soda, energy drinks and juice. Over time, carbonation breaks down the enamel on the teeth, leaving them defenseless against tooth decay and bacteria fed by the sugar in drinks.
• Use a straw If you do allow your little one to enjoy a sugary drink every once in a while, have them drink it with a straw. Drinking with a straw limits the contact the sugary beverage has with the teeth.
• Drink Quickly When consuming a sugary drink, make sure your child drinks it relatively fast rather than sipping for a long time. Sipping on sugary beverages helps feed the harmful bacteria in the mouth that breaks down the enamel and leads to tooth decay.
• Keep up on Dentist Appointments If you haven’t already scheduled a summer appointment, it’s a good idea to do so and beat the back-to-school rush.