Summer in Parma means later bedtimes, more snacking, trips to get ice cream after the pool, and a whole lot of changes to the normal routine. For most families, that’s a good thing. But it can also be a tough stretch for teeth. When school schedules go out the window, so do a lot of the habits that keep smiles in good shape. The good news? A few small adjustments can go a long way toward keeping the whole family’s teeth healthy all season long.
At Jordan Job DDS, we love seeing families come in feeling good about their smiles. Here’s what we suggest for making this summer a great one for your family’s oral health.
Snacking Smarter When the Schedule Gets Loose
Summer snacking is practically its own food group. Kids are home, they’re active, and they’re hungry. The problem isn’t snacking itself. It’s how often, and what they’re reaching for.
Every time someone eats, the bacteria in the mouth produce acids that go to work on tooth enamel. When snacks happen constantly throughout the day, those acids barely get a break. That’s where the real risk comes in.
A few things that help:
- Try to batch snacks together rather than grazing all day. Giving teeth time between eating lets saliva do its job and neutralize those acids.
- Keep water as the go-to drink. It helps rinse the teeth and prevents the mouth from drying out.
- Watch out for sticky or sugary snacks that cling to teeth. Fresh fruit, cheese, and crunchy vegetables are much friendlier choices.
- Sports drinks and lemonade can be surprising sources of sugar and acid. Save them for treats rather than all-day sipping.
You don’t have to take away the fun. Just steer toward options that don’t sit on teeth for hours.
Keeping Brushing and Flossing on Track
When summer throws off the schedule, morning and nighttime routines are often the first things to go. Staying up later, sleeping in, skipping the usual bathroom routine before a day at the park. It happens in every family.
Brushing twice a day and flossing once is still the foundation, even when everything else is flexible. Two minutes of brushing in the morning and again before bed is the kind of habit that pays off in fewer cavities and a cleaner bill of health at the next checkup.
For younger kids, make it part of the wind-down. A fun timer, a favorite song, or a small reward chart can go a long way. For teenagers, sometimes the reminder is just knowing their teeth will be looked at soon. Either way, keeping it consistent now saves a lot of trouble later.
The Best Time for a Checkup Is Before School Starts
Summer is one of the best times to schedule dental visits for the whole family. There’s more flexibility in the calendar, and it means going back to school with a clean, healthy smile. No scrambling to fit in appointments once fall gets busy.
A checkup and cleaning every six months is the standard recommendation for most patients. If it’s been longer than that, summer is a great opportunity to get back on track. And if your child has never had a dental visit, there’s no better time to start building that comfortable care relationship early.
Your smile matters, and so does your child’s. Getting in before the back-to-school rush means shorter wait times and a lot less stress all around.
Protecting Teeth During Summer Activities
More outdoor time means more opportunities for bumps, falls, and contact sports. If your child is playing baseball, soccer, basketball, or any sport where there’s a chance of contact to the face, a mouthguard is worth having. Custom-fit mouthguards offer better protection and comfort than store-bought versions.
Swimming is another thing to keep in mind. Pools with heavy chlorination can, over time, affect tooth enamel with prolonged exposure. This is mostly a concern for competitive swimmers who spend hours in the pool daily. For recreational swimmers, it’s not something to worry much about, though rinsing with clean water after swimming is a good habit either way.
If a tooth gets chipped or knocked out during a summer activity, call us right away. We’re here for you, and prompt care makes a big difference in outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my child see the dentist?
Most children do well with checkups every six months. Some kids who are more prone to cavities may benefit from more frequent visits. We’ll let you know what makes sense for your child based on their specific situation.
My child is nervous about the dentist. What can you do to help?
We hear this a lot, and we take it seriously. Our team is experienced with anxious patients of all ages. We go at your child’s pace, explain everything before we do it, and work hard to make sure every visit feels as comfortable as possible. Comfortable care is something we’re genuinely proud of at our practice.
At what age should kids start flossing?
Flossing should start as soon as two teeth are touching side by side, which for many kids happens around age two or three. Parents usually need to help until kids are around eight or nine years old and have the dexterity to do it on their own. We’re happy to show you the best technique at your next visit.
Is it okay if my kids drink sports drinks in the summer?
Sports drinks are fine occasionally, but they’re high in sugar and acid, which can wear down enamel over time. Water is always the best option for hydration. If your child wants a sports drink after a game, that’s okay. Just rinse with water afterward and don’t make it an all-day drink.
We’re new to the Parma area. Can we schedule for the whole family?
Absolutely. We welcome the whole family and love meeting new patients. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or you’re an adult who’s been putting off a checkup, we’re here for you. Give us a call at 440-888-5855, and we’ll get everyone set up.