In the next few days and weeks, kids of all ages will be starting summer break. During this time, changes to your child’s routine could mean a higher risk of tooth decay. But we have a few tips to help! In today’s blog, your team at Riverside Dental Group talks about how we can all protect your child’s smile during their time out of school!
Better Brushing and Flossing Habits
To help fight the risks of cavities and gingivitis during the summer months, be sure your kids continue to start and end their day by brushing their teeth for at least two minutes. We recommend a toothbrush with soft bristles, and be sure to pick an age-appropriate one, so they have an easier time using it. You can go with electric or manual, whichever is their preference. When it comes to toothpaste, we suggest a fluoride one, with a rice-sized portion for kids under three, and a pea-sized amount for kids over the age of three.
Flossing is also crucial and should happen every evening before they brush that second time. They should use floss tape or string, or picks or water flossers, to clean up and down each side of every tooth. When they brush the second time, they clear away the dislodged food and drink particles.
Lowering the Risk of Sugar and Starch
When any age consumes items high in sugar and starch, this provides a meal for harmful bacteria, which then creates the same plaque and tartar linked to issues like tooth decay and gingivitis. We urge parents to recommend more water to their kids, and if they have a soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, or fruit juice, to follow it with some water to help clear away the sugars. When it comes to snacks, cut back on items high in sugar and starch, such as cookies, cakes, snack cakes, and chips. Fresh fruits, veggies, whole grain bread and crackers, low fat yogurts and cheeses, and nuts all make a great and smile-healthy snack.
Checkups and Cleanings
Kids also need a routine exam and cleaning every six months, so contact us now to schedule one, so they can receive the care they need without missing school or extracurricular activities.
Riverside Dental Group Protects Smiles From Cavities
Our team wants to help lower the risk of cavities and protect little smiles over summer break. To learn more about children’s dentistry, then please call:
Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.
Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.
Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest (951) 776-9001.
Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.
Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.
Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.
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