3 Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles

3 Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles

Summer sun brings summer fun. While warm months are perfect for spending time together, summer vacation can also throw off your usual dental routine. Here are three ways to prevent summertime tooth decay:

Stay on a routine 

Whether your kids are staying up to catch fireflies or a fireworks show, resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime—or let it slide when they sleep in the next morning. “Don’t forget about your smile over the summer,” says ADA pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes. “It’s important for families to consistently brush and floss, which keeps kids on track for healthy back-to-school dental visits.”

No matter how eventful the upcoming months become, supervise that they are brushing twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Simple things like brushing calendars can help everyone stay on track over the summer. Plus, it’s a chance to spend more time together. Brushing alongside your children for 2 minutes, twice a day for the three months of summer gives you 6 extra hours together, so make the most of them!

And don’t forget to clean between those teeth once a day. “Your children should be flossing between any two teeth that touch,” Dr. Hayes says. “However, many kids don’t have motor skills to floss until they are over 10 years old.” If your child needs help, try different types of interdental cleaners or put your hands over theirs to guide them and get the job done at the same time.

Say no to sugary drinks and snacks 

As the temperature rises, it’s common for families to sip and snack during sports tournaments, festivals or nearly any community event. “Watch your family’s intake of lemonade, juice and soda,” says Dr. Hayes. “Consider sugary drinks treats to enjoy once in a while, and not often.” Instead, offer water (even better if it has fluoride) to beat the heat, or milk to drink with meals. And, don’t let summertime grazing damage your child’s smile. “Taking a break from snacking is healthy for your teeth,” says Dr. Hayes. “It allows time for saliva to bathe the teeth, wash away leftover food and get stronger.”

If you find yourself spending more time at home, snack smarter, and let your children tell you when they’re hungry instead of offering snacks throughout the day. “They’re not afraid to let you know when they want something to eat!” she says.

Make your back-to-school dental visit early 

Some schools require back-to-school dental visits for certain grades, and these checkups can be a good way to be sure your child’s teeth stayed healthy. It is a good idea to make your child’s back-to-school appointment early in the summer to avoid the August rush and help insure you get the appointment time that works best for you. “We can help spot and take care of any issues, so your child doesn’t have to miss class once school starts,” Dr. Hayes says. “Visiting the dentist regularly can help your child’s smile stay healthy all year long.”

Contact us today to schedule your children’s back-to-school visits. The start of the school year will be here before you know it.

Nevada Location
Utah Location

*Article originally posted on Healthy Mouth by the American Dental Association

 

FREE Dental Screenings and Cleanings for Children K-12

FREE Dental Screenings and Cleanings for Children K-12

Back to School Brush-Up™ Event Information

Date
Friday, August 6

Time
9am to 4pm

Utah Location
Roseman Dental
10894 S River Front Pkwy
South Jordan, UT 84095

Masks required. COVID-19 safety protocols are followed at Roseman Dental. Everyone is screened using a brief questionnaire prior to entering. Individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not permitted to enter.

*Subject to change. No appointment necessary, children are treated on a first come first serve basis and treatment will be limited by clinical capacity during the time of event.

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With the new school year quickly approaching it is important to make sure that your children’s oral health is in tip-top shape. It is estimated that over 17 million children suffer from untreated tooth decay, making it the single most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. In addition to that, tooth decay causes tooth pain which is the leading cause of school absence in the U.S. Tooth pain and other oral health problems account for roughly 51 million hours of missed school each year.

It is important to have your children see a dentist on a regular basis because tooth decay often leads to cavities and gum disease. When left untreated, these conditions cause pain that makes it difficult for children to focus and learn. Visiting the dentist every six months can help prevent tooth decay from turning into cavities or worse tooth loss. Tooth loss in children can lead to poor self-esteem and problems learning to speak and form words properly.

Our Roseman Dental Utah location will be holding its sixth annual Back to School Brush-Up™ event in August to help do our part in reducing the number of hours children are absent from school due to tooth pain.

“The goal of this event is two-fold: first, to provide a positive dental experience for these children and make them life-long dental patients without the fear of going to a dentist and second, to raise awareness to the media and to the community of the unmet oral health needs of children in the local population,” said Frank Licari, Roseman University College of Dental Medicine Dean.

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) students from the Roseman University’s College of Dental Medicine will provide free dental screenings and cleanings for all children and teens entering grades K-12 for the 2021 – 2022 academic school year. Children and teens who come in for a screening and cleaning will also get a voucher to return to Roseman Dental for a free comprehensive exam, free x-rays, and up to $50 in additional care. All dental work will be supervised by faculty members who are licensed Utah dentists. Student dentists will also provide parents with education and information about proper oral healthcare for children and teens.

Make sure to join us at our Back to School Brush-Up™ event. Don’t let tooth pain be the reason your children miss school this year.

 

2021 Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors, Intermountain Healthcare, KKOS Lawyers and Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors, for helping make this event possible.

Presenting Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors