5 Summer Dental Tips for Kids

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Visiting a dentist in Makati is probably the least of your concerns because ‘tis the season for a summer getaway! The month of April is much-awaited by adults and kids alike. Next to December, it’s the only other month that has this long weekend that looks really promising—the time the beach or pool seems most inviting. And it is one of the rarest occasions to have a real family bonding.

Don’t pack your bags yet. It is legal to have fun but never take for granted yourself and your kid’s dental hygiene. We’re 100% sure you don’t want to deal with a whiny kid inside an office of a dentist in Makati this summer break. Follow the tips below for your peace of mind:

Eat sweets in moderation

Since their faces are not buried in books or homework, their next agenda is the jar of yummy cookies on the kitchen counter. Summer is also the time for halo-halo, ice cream, fruit shakes, and ice pops. Oh no, tooth decay alert! You may allow them to indulge but do it in moderation. Not only is excess sugar bad for the teeth, it’s also bad for overall health.

Prepare healthy food options

This is also your chance to monitor your children’s diet. You may have power over breakfast and dinner but in between you have no control on what meals or snacks they fancy to buy at school. American Pediatric Dental Group suggests sliced fresh fruits, protein-rich foods, and cheese. Why cheese? According to MouthHealthy.org by the American Dental Association, “dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are low in sugar and rich in calcium and phosphorous, which strengthen and protect enamel… and may lower chances of developing gum diseases.”

Look out for their teeth

Dental emergencies do happen and you must prevent it at all costs. Colgate recommends the following tips:

Establish “pool rules” so they could avoid slipping on pool decks or bumping on the pool ledge.
Bring a first aid kit with you that could also treat dental mishaps.
Know some first aid, too, in case something bad happens.

You can’t stop kids from being rowdy when they’re in the pool. But look out for your children round the clock because your family dentist in Makati is not there to rescue you.

Keep them hydrated

Fruit shakes and ice cold chocolate drink might be cool thirst quenchers. Kids love these sugary drinks but it would risk their dental health. As much as possible, give them water or milk and lessen sweetened drinks. Moreover, keeping hydrated would not only prevent someone suffering from heat stroke, it prevents “tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath)” as well, American Pediatric Dental Group states.

Dental checkup

We know, we know. As we’ve mentioned above, going to a dentist in Makati or anyplace where there is a dental drill is not on your family’s summer bucket list. Also, there is a high possibility that your kids won’t talk to you this entire semestral break if you take them to a dental trip. However, since this is their only free time, convince them how important a dental checkup is and give them a reward afterwards.