Summer break is in full swing, and that means your children will be running around backyards, swimming at the pool, or participating in sports. It’s a busy time, and it’s also a time to monitor your children’s oral health at our Bloomington MN dental office.

Our office, Weddell Dental, provides services for every member of the family. Part of our family dentistry services means giving your children elite dental care. We can treat your little ones from the time the first tooth appears, and then provide a number of preventive and developmental services as the adult teeth begin to form.

Today we want to run through a few ways you can keep your child’s teeth healthy this summer. Or you can become a patient of ours by calling 952-649-6134 or using the online form.

Watch Out For Teeth-Destroying Foods

With your kids out of school and running around ball fields or the backyard, they’ll have more access to unhealthy foods (snack bar or your home pantry). Our school systems try do what they can to make sure our kids are eating a balanced diet. And because most parents still have to work in the summer, it can be a challenge to keep your kids away from foods that can damage their teeth. Here are some things to consider:

  • Be weary of soda — Soda is chalked full of sugar, often between 30 and 40 grams! Soda and sugary drinks produce acid in the mouth and increases the risk of tooth decay.
  • Find healthy snacks — Healthy snacks low in sugar or acidity can help your child maintain a healthy mouth. Treats like apples produces saliva that cleans the mouth, and milk and cheese can lower the acid levels in the mouth.
  • Good brushing habits — Don’t let your child’s brushing habits slip over the summer. The schedules may be hectic, but make sure your child is brushing twice a day and using floss.

Protect Your Child’s Teeth with Mouthguards

If your child is involved in summer sports or sports at any time, you should consider getting them a custom mouthguard to protect their teeth. A custom mouthguard is a small price to pay if you can prevent a serious dental injury. Athletes, not just in contact sports, can damage their teeth and jaws from impacts.

You can find a boil-and-bite mouthguard at any pharmacy, but those mouthguards do not match your mouth. If the fit is off, the mouthguard cannot properly protect your mouth. Whenever you come to our office, we can provide you with a custom mouthguard that can absorb a substantial impact and keep your child’s teeth protected.

Set Up Visits Before School Starts

Parents and children don’t want to think about the start of school so soon into the summer, but we recommend that parents plan their children a dental trip before the school year starts. First of all, it’s important to make sure your child has a clean bill of health before school starts. Studies show that students in America missing about 51 million hours of school because of dental problems. We use your child’s cleanings and exams to check for any signs of cavities and provide preventive treatments like fluoride (known to reduce the risk of cavities and even restore enamel) or dental sealants (placed on the biting surface to lock out cavities). We also use those visits to teach your child about great at-home care.

Depending on your child’s age, you can use the summer to set up orthodontic appointments or orthodontic evaluations. According to the American Dental Association, children should be evaluated by their dentist for orthodontic services at the age of 7. That age allows us to better plan out treatments and even manipulate healthy tooth and jaw development.

Visit Our Family Office Today

We have a number of ways to give your child a better, healthier smile. We focus on keeping them comfortable and teaching them about the benefits of great teeth! You can schedule a visit with us by calling 952-649-6134. We’d love to meet you.