Keep Kids’ Teeth Healthy This Summer

Summer holidays are a time for fun, freedom, and family adventures, but they can also be a season of sugary snacks, disrupted routines, and forgotten toothbrushes. While kids enjoy a well-deserved break from school, it’s important not to take a break from good dental habits. Here’s how parents can help their children maintain healthy smiles all summer long.

1. Stick to a Brushing Routine

Without the structure of school days, kids may forget to brush their teeth regularly. Encourage brushing twice a day for two minutes - once in the morning and once before bed. Consider using a fun timer or a favourite song to make brushing more enjoyable.

Tip: Create a summer brushing chart with stickers or rewards to keep kids motivated.

2. Watch the Summer Snacks

Ice cream, popsicles, and sugary drinks are summer staples, but they can wreak havoc on young teeth. Frequent snacking, especially on sugary or acidic foods, increases the risk of cavities. Here are some healthier alternatives:

• Fresh fruits like watermelon or berries

• Cheese sticks or yoghurt

• Frozen banana pops

• Infused water instead of soda or juice

3. Stay Hydrated with Water

Encourage kids to drink plenty of water, especially after meals and snacks. Water helps rinse away food particles and keeps saliva flowing, which naturally protects teeth.

4. Protect Teeth During Sports

If your child is playing contact sports or riding bikes and scooters, make sure they wear a mouthguard and a helmet. Accidents can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth, which are more common during active summer play.

5. Schedule a Dental Check-Up

Summer is a great time to book a dental appointment without the pressure of school schedules. A check-up can catch any issues early and ensure your child starts the new school year with a healthy smile. Click here to book a dental exam (for children under 12).

6. Limit Grazing

With more time at home, kids may be tempted to snack all day. Try to stick to regular meal and snack times to give teeth a break and reduce the risk of decay.

7. Make Dental Care Fun

Let kids pick out their own toothbrushes or flavoured toothpaste. You can also turn brushing into a game or use apps that make oral hygiene interactive and exciting.

Summer should be full of laughter, not dental emergencies. By keeping up with good oral hygiene habits and making smart snack choices, you can help your child enjoy a cavity-free summer. A little planning goes a long way in keeping those sunny smiles bright and healthy!

At Blue Bird, we celebrate and embrace AI; it helped to create this blog post.