Summer is a great time for kids, they’re home from school and have a chance to relax and play with their friends. However, they also have more time to snack and enjoy foods that aren’t so great for their smile. In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss ways to help keep your family’s smiles healthy over the summer months.
Snacks and Drinks to Avoid
You may be aware that soda and energy drinks have a high amount of sugar, enough to lead to the onset of cavities. But did you know that sports drinks contain a high enough level of acid that tooth enamel can weaken and tooth decay can form? In addition, eating too many snacks high in sugar and starch, such as candy, chips, or chocolates, can also make tooth decay more likely.
Smile Healthy Alternatives
We suggest offering your kids water instead of sodas, energy drinks, or sports drink. Water not only hydrates, but also contains no sugars or acids, keeping your smile healthy. Water also help cleanse the mouth of stray food particles, reducing the risk of cavities.
For snacks, try offering fresh fruit, veggies, low-fat yogurt, dairy products, or nuts. These items contain essential nutrients, can help offer more energy, and don’t put the smile at such a high risk of cavities.
Checkups and Cleanings
The summer is also a good to schedule a checkup and cleaning. During the checkup portion, we examine the smile to look for signs of developing problems, treating them before they can threaten your child’s overall oral health. The cleaning involves removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth, which helps safeguard young smiles against cavities, gingivitis, and even gum disease. If you have any questions about maintaining optimal oral health during the summer months, please give our team a call.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT KEEPING SMILES HEALTHY?
At Mai Dentistry, we can discuss ways to help patients enjoy optimal oral health. To learn more about our practice, or to schedule your next appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
