My kids and I have all had a great experience at Dr. Harrell’s office. The whole staff is friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Every detail was explained in advance so I knew exactly what to expect. I would confidently recommend Dr. Harrell and his staff to anyone.
School’s out, and summer fun is officially in session! While your kids are celebrating their freedom from homework and early morning alarms, their dental health might be facing some new challenges. At Clinton Harrell DDS, we want to help your family enjoy all the summer excitement while keeping kids’ teeth healthy
Why Summer Can Be Tough on Teeth
When school ends, normal routines often go out the window. This change affects dental habits in several ways:
- Regular schedules disappear, including morning and bedtime routines
- Kids stay up later and might skip evening brushing when they’re tired
- Snacking happens more frequently throughout the day
- Summer treats like ice cream, popsicles, and sodas become more common
- Vacations and sleepovers disrupt normal habits
Most parents notice these changes but don’t realize how quickly they can affect dental health. Just a few weeks of inconsistent care can allow plaque to build up and increase the risk of cavities.
Simple Ways to Keep Dental Routines Going
You don’t need to enforce strict schedules to maintain good dental health during summer. Instead, try these easy approaches:
- Connect brushing to activities rather than specific times. “Before swimming” or “after lunch” works better than “8 a.m. brushing time.”
- Create a visual reminder chart for younger kids. They can add stickers or check off boxes after brushing and flossing.
- Make a family brushing time when everyone’s home. This makes dental care a group activity rather than a chore.
- Pack a “sleepover dental kit” that stays in your child’s overnight bag, complete with toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
- Set up a small prize for consistent weekly dental care – maybe extra pool time or choosing Friday night’s movie.
The goal isn’t perfection – it’s consistency. Even during the most active summer weeks, teeth still need attention twice daily.
Smart Choices for Summer Snacks and Drinks
Summer and sweet treats go hand in hand. Instead of banning fun foods (which rarely works), try a balanced approach:
Kids will be enjoying lots of summer favorites, and that’s okay! Here’s how to make smarter choices:
- Choose ice cream over sticky, chewy candies that cling to teeth.
- Offer popsicles made with real fruit instead of sugary varieties.
- Keep cold water easily available – it’s the best drink for dental health.
- Pack cheese sticks and fresh fruits for pool days – they’re tooth-friendly options.
- Limit sugary drinks to mealtimes rather than sipping throughout the day.
- Have everyone rinse with water after eating sweet treats when brushing isn’t possible.
Remember that how often teeth are exposed to sugar matters as much as the amount. One ice cream cone after dinner does less damage than small sugary snacks eaten throughout the day.
Protecting Teeth During Summer Activities
Summer sports and outdoor play come with their own dental risks:
- Swimming pools: Chlorine can weaken tooth enamel over time. Encourage regular water breaks and rinsing after long swim sessions.
- Contact sports: Mouthguards are essential for activities like basketball, soccer, and biking. Ask us about custom-fitted options that provide the best protection.
- Water play: Running around pool decks is a common cause of dental injuries. Remind kids to walk in these areas.
- Summer camps: Send kids with extra dental supplies and remind camp counselors about any special dental needs.
If your child does have a dental injury, call our office right away. Quick action can often save a damaged or knocked-out tooth.
Make the Most of Summer for Dental Visits
Here’s why summer is actually the perfect time to schedule dental checkups:
- No missed school days or homework to catch up on
- More flexible appointment times are available
- Issues can be caught early before they become bigger problems
- Dental work has plenty of recovery time before school starts
- Kids aren’t as rushed and can learn better dental care techniques
Getting your child set up with good dental habits now will benefit them long after summer ends. These habits build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Summer should be a time of fun and relaxation – not dental problems. With a few simple strategies, your family can enjoy all the season has to offer while keeping everyone’s teeth healthy.
Call Clinton Harrell DDS today at 360-450-5253 to schedule your family’s summer dental visits. You can also request an appointment online if you prefer. We’ll help make sure dental care remains part of your summer routine, no matter how busy things get!