How to Survive Summer Vacation without Cavities

Summer vacation is a glorious time… for children. However, if you’re a parent, you know how difficult it can be to encourage your children to eat healthier and brush their teeth. That’s why our pediatric dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, is coming to the rescue! As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Kim has helped countless young patients learn better oral hygiene habits.

Here are his expert tips on how to survive summer vacation—without cavities! If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our pediatric dental office in Grand Rapids, MI.

Limit Sugary Summer Snacks

There’s no shortage of delicious summertime treats, from popsicles to glasses of ice-cold lemonade. However, it’s important that you be mindful of the types of foods and beverages you bring into the household. Certain snacks can be packed full of sugar, providing bacteria with plenty of fuel to attack your child’s teeth and gums.

Related: Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities? →

Healthy teeth start with a healthy diet. That’s why our Grand Rapids pediatric dentist recommends saving sugary treats for holidays and other special occasions. This will give your child something to look forward to during their summer vacation and help them learn moderation.

Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss

Summer is a great time for visiting relatives and planning family vacations. However, it’s easy for children to forget to brush and floss with the excitement of a summer trip. For this reason, it may be a good idea to buy your child a new toothbrush that’ll make them excited to brush.

Many children’s toothbrushes feature fun cartoon characters and come in every color in the rainbow. A fun toothbrush will help oral hygiene seem less like a chore at the end of the day. It’ll also help keep your child on track with maintaining a healthy smile so that they can enjoy a cavity-free dentist appointment in the fall.

Remember to Schedule Teeth Cleanings

Teeth cleanings are important for people of all ages. However, children are especially at high risk for cavities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting American children. For this reason, it’s important that you schedule routine dental cleanings for your child at least every six months.

During your child’s appointment, we’ll remove plaque and tartar from their smile. While you can remove plaque at home by brushing and flossing, only a skilled dental professional will be able to remove tartar buildup.

Your child’s checkup is also an opportunity for us to detect any issues with oral health before they have the opportunity to worsen. This can help your child avoid an unnecessary pediatric dental emergency in the future.

Request an Appointment with Dr. Kim

Dr. Wanki William Kim is a pediatric dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, who’s accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment for your child, please call the Pediatric Dentistry of Michigan at (616) 447-7900. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.