Summer is here, it is a wonderful time to slow down and relax with friends and family. Some people will be on family vacations, business trips and leisure travel. Others may have no definite plan, take it easy or have fun playing sports activities. Here are some dental tips for a safe summer for you and your family.
Limit sweets and look for low-sugar options
· Soda, juice, lemonade, sports drinks can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion
· Look for low-sugar or sugar-free options; use fresh fruit to make frozen popsicles, chew sugar-free gum
Eat healthy snacks
· For family outings, pack bags of healthy snacks like carrots, celery sticks, sliced apples, string cheese, yogurt, whole grain crackers, trail mix
· Drink water instead of drinking soda, juice or sports drinks
Establish a summer routine
· Establishing a summer routine is particular important for school-aged children. While summer schedules are usually a lot more flexible than usual, it is important to ensure children brush their teeth 2x/day and floss daily
· Travel sized tooth brushes and tooth paste are great for traveling
· Disposable tooth brushes are good for staying clean anywhere at any time
Stay hydrated with drinking water
· Drinking water helps to keep your mouth moist throughout the day. Water helps wash away plaque causing bacteria and can improve your breath
· It may be difficult to stick to a regular oral health routine while you and your family are on a road trip. Using water to rinse your mouth after eating helps to flush away food particles and bacteria
Take precaution during activities to prevent dental emergencies
Swimming, skate boarding, bike riding, playing soccer and football are just a few sports that many families enjoy. Dental injuries may happen and parents need to be prepared for the worst by following these tips:
· According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), many of the summer oral injuries dentists treat are due to swimming pool accidents
· Wearing a mouth guard/sports guard may help to protect your children’s teeth and prevent oral injuries. Talk to your dentist about the options available
· Children run on slippery pool decks, dive into shallow waters or hit the mouths against the side of the pool may cause serious injuries to their mouths
· What to do with a knocked out tooth?
-Call and get to the dentist right away
-Clean the area and use gauze to stop the bleeding
-Try placing the tooth back into its socket. Make sure the tooth is facing the right way. Don’t try to force the tooth into the socket. If it does not go back into place easily, then just keep it moist (in milk, saliva or water) and get to the dentist as soon as possible.
· Academy of General Dentistry recommends an emergency kit to take along for vacation. It includes a handkerchief, some gauze, a small container with a lid, ibuprofen and your dentist’s contact information
Visit the dentist
· Schedule your children’s dental checkups early in the summer to avoid the back to school rush. Schedule the appointment time that works best for you and the children
· Parents and children feel good about their dental health for the summer
Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She has been taking care of adults and children’s dentistry for over 25 years. If you and your family have any questions about dental care, please call Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com. The best way to start out the vacation is with a clean and healthy mouth.
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