Summer is a time to toss out routine and relax and enjoy life. Unfortunately, this more relaxed and less routine time is a time when parents are often less diligent about making sure their children follow good oral hygiene routines.
While it may be tempting to forego a child’s regular oral hygiene routine when they are on summer vacation from school or the family is on vacation, that is a temptation that parents should strongly resist.
Proper oral hygiene and dental care practices are essential for all ages, young and old.
Children thrive on routine. It helps them know what to expect and what is expected of them. Routines provide children with a sense of stability and security and play a vital role in a child’s deelopment.1
By keeping to your school-year oral hygiene routine, your child will understand that caring for their teeth and gums is a vitally important activity — even when their regular routine may be interrupted or altered.
Teeth Friendly Snacks
Summer is also a time when snacking can ramp up for children, especially for older children who are now home during the day. Be sure to provide healthy snacks, low in sugar and saturated fats.
Some good snacks for children include yogurt, popcorn with minimal toppings, celery with peanut butter and raisins, cottage cheese, oatmeal (not the flavored packet type), hard-boiled eggs, cheese, carrot sticks and hummus, and fresh fruit.2
From a dental standpoint, any healthy food that provides calcium for strengthening teeth or doesn’t contain harmful sugar, which can destroy tooth enamel and lead to cavities, is acceptable.
Watch Sugary Beverages
Watch what beverages your child consumes during the warm summer months. While pop may be their preferred beverage it is generally loaded with sugar and contains little, if any, nutritional value.
As with adults, the best source of hydration for children is water. The only drawback of water is that it doesn’t contain any minerals or nutrients. Milk, milkshakes and smoothies are good sources of calcium and proteins and can supplement water for hydration.3
Stay away from chocolate milk as it contains sugar. Fruit and vegetable juices can also supplement water for hydration but commercially prepared fruit juices are not recommended for children under one year of age per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).4 The AAP also recommends limiting fruit juices as follows: no more than 4 oz. daily for children 1-3; no more than 4 to 6 oz. for ages 4 to 6; and no more than 8 oz. daily for ages 7 to 18.
Making your own fruit juice, without added sugar, is best. A good recipe can be found here. Because of the high sugar and caffeine content, soda and energy drinks aren’t recommended for children.
By sticking to a regular routine of brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes at a time with a soft bristled brush, and flossing daily, your child will learn lifelong healthy habits and will safeguard their oral health. The less-busy days of summer are also a good time to take your child for their six-month dental check-up.
Schedule your Dental Check Up this Summer!
Visit our Walled Lake Dental Office any time throughout the year, especially during the summer when schedules are more flexible. Dr. Hechtman is the area’s top dentist and provides comprehensive services from cosmetic dentistry for a beautiful smile, dental treatments to restore a smile, children’s dental services and more.
We are looking forward to seeing you in our friendly dental office soon! Call for a Free Consultation today.
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1 Why Routines Matter for Children
Link: https://childcarenetwork.com/the-importance-of-routine-for-children-creating-a-consistent-schedule/
2 28 Healthy Snacks Your Kids will Love by Becky Bell, 2/28/2024
Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-snacks-for-kids#crackers-and-nut-butter
3, 5 11 Healthy Drinks for Kids (Besides Water) by Swati Patwal, 5/9/2025
Link: https://www.momjunction.com/articles/healthy-drinks-for-your-kid_00120578/
4 What to Know About Fruit Juice for Children, 9/10/2023
Link: https://www.webmd.com/children/what-to-know-fruit-juice-children