Summer Dental Tips for Families: Keep Your Smiles Healthy All Season Long

Summer's here, bbq's are planned, the pool is filled and ready for action, sports are ongoing, and it's all about making memories. Routines? They're out the window. Here are a few key reminders to help keep your family's oral health in check during the summer months.

Hydration, hydration, hydration

Water is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. A dry mouth actually feeds cavity-causing microorganisms, allowing them to flourish. Water keeps your mouth moist, helps wash away food particles, and loosens the sticky bacteria we call plaque. Saliva levels can drop significantly when the body is dehydrated, so keep water on hand and stay hydrated.

Pack those snacks

Day trips galore! We pack up the cooler and head to the beach or the park, and snacks are a must — but choosing the right snack matters. Avoid foods that are sticky and sweet, or highly acidic.

• Apples, carrots and cucumbers with hummus
• Cheese and yogurt
• Nuts and other unprocessed, nutritious foods

Did you know? Goldfish crackers are one of the top cavity-causing snack items. They're a simple carbohydrate, so they break down into sugars, and the sticky goo gets caught in the crevices of the teeth and stays there. It's a recipe for a cavity: sugar plus time.

Routines still matter

We all know too well that routines and summer vacation don't always go hand in hand. Staying up late, sleeping in — oral health routines end up on the fly. Remember to brush twice a day for two full minutes. Even if you're sleeping in until 10 or 11am, start the day with brushing. Overnight your mouth continues to create more bacteria; get rid of it when you wake up.

Watch the summer drinks

Come July and August, all eyes are on the slushies, iced coffees, sports drinks and pretty lemonades. Unfortunately, most of these are high in sugar — they taste great, but pack a powerful punch to enamel. Choose water where you can. Prefer flavoured water? Try cucumber slices instead of lemon: refreshing, without adding acidity.

Our team is here to help your family enjoy a healthy, confident smile all season long. Whether it's time for a routine cleaning and checkup or you have a question about your oral health, we'd love to see you.