Tips To Keep Kid's Teeth Healthy All Summer Long
Posted on: 14 June 2017
Summer is just around the corner, which means the kids are going to be riding bikes, swimming, and just being outside enjoying the sunshine. Summer is about playing, having fun. and simply enjoying childhood. However, while it's the time for fun, it is also important for kids to remember the importance of maintaining their teeth, gums, and mouth. To make sure your child's memories are of things other than an emergency trip to a local dental practice, here are a few tips to help keep their teeth healthy all summer long.
Summertime Sweets & Treats
Kids tend to attend a lot of parties and barbecues during the summer, which means there will be a lot of summertime drinks, party foods. and sugary treats that can harm their teeth, gums, and mouth. Summer beverages, such as sports drinks and soda. contain acids and sugars that can soften tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Brushing their teeth is important. but these sugary drinks also contain acids which soften the enamel. Brushing when the enamel is soft may cause more damage. It's best to encourage kids to wait at least an hour before brushing. Beware of certain foods, including:
- Bone-in meats, which may injure their teeth, gums, and mouth -- encourage kids to remove meat from the bone before eating it.
- Corn on the cob -- corn should be removed from the cob to prevent the risk of tooth damage from a hard cob.
- Candies and sticky sauces can slowly eat away at the enamel -- encourage brushing about one hour after these types of foods are eaten.
Swimming Pool Safety
There is nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the pool on a hot, summer day. But, did you know that swimming can have an effect on their smile? Studies have shown that long exposures to the chemicals in swimming pools can discolor teeth:
- When pool water has high pH levels, it breaks down the proteins in saliva, which may cause a brownish stain on teeth.
- Pool water with a high pH balance can also soften the enamel on teeth, which puts kids at an increased risk of tooth decay and damage.
Fortunately, you can help to prevent this by taking the kids to the dentist for regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments. It is also important to encourage kids to wear goggles while swimming, because if they swim with their eyes closed, there is a chance they could swim face first into the side of the pool, causing damage to their teeth.
The first thing most kids want to do when summer finally arrives is to get outside and ride bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Unfortunately, the most common type of tooth trauma is the result of falls. So, it is extremely important to encourage kids to wear a helmet as well as a mouth guard to protect their teeth. Remind them that summertime doesn't mean it's time to steer away from their regular oral hygiene habits because brushing and flossing are important for protecting teeth and gums.
For more information, check with dental practices like Brandywine Dental Care.
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