How to Keep Everyone’s Teeth Healthy over Summer Break

Summer is an exciting time—the perfect season to organize family vacations, spend time with friends, take up new hobbies, and enjoy some extra relaxation time. However, this season also brings a break from school and regular routines, and daily habits can easily be overlooked during this time. 

Extra treats, busy schedules, and late nights spent watching movies or enjoying fun family activities often shift the focus away from dental care. As the summer season approaches, it is important to be aware of this common pitfall and take steps to keep your family’s teeth healthy. Staying mindful about dental routines can save you from unexpected problems like toothaches or cavities, helping you enjoy a worry-free summer!

How the Summer Break Can Impact Dental Habits

The summer break disrupts many aspects of your family lifestyle, such as sleep schedules and daily routines. And, dental habits are often not an exception. It is easy to forget about best practices when you are having fun—but it is important to be aware of how these months can affect oral health. 

Some changes that can impact your family’s dental routine include:

  • Changes in weekday routines: Without school schedules, wake-up routines can change. And, when this happens, it is easy for kids to forget their usual morning and evening brushing—especially when days start at different times or are filled with different activities!
  • Later bedtimes: Staying up late for movies, games, or outdoor fun makes it easier to forget about daily tasks, like brushing at night. Plus, you and your little ones may feel extra tired after a day of fun. Falling asleep early or while enjoying activities (like watching TV) can cause you to neglect dental care before bed.
  • BBQs and summertime treats: Summer is the perfect season to enjoy BBQs, picnics, and delicious meals together. But these often bring more sugary drinks, desserts, and snacks. These foods can cling to teeth and increase the risk of cavities if teeth aren’t cleaned properly afterward.
  • Vacations: Traveling often means being away from home and daily routines. It’s easy to forget toothbrushes or toothpaste when packing, and busy days can lead to missed brushing or flossing, increasing the risk of dental issues.

According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, challenges that parents face in keeping up their children’s tooth brushing routines include kids falling asleep at home or in the car and kids being tired. And, these challenges may become more prevalent during the summer!

Maintaining Good Dental Habits during Summer Break

Even when making the most of a relaxed summer schedule, it’s important to keep up with good dental habits. 

Here are practical ways to support healthy routines when your daily schedule is disrupted:

  • Remind your family about the importance of daily brushing and flossing
  • Set reminders for brushing in the morning and before bed
  • Use a reward system to motivate your youngest ones
  • Brush and floss together as a family
  • Pack dental supplies for trips and outings
  • Limit sugary snacks and drinks
  • Remind your kids to rinse their mouths with water after treats
  • Schedule summer dental checkups 

It is all about being proactive. For instance, if you are planning a movie night, you could allow for snacks early on, then have a break halfway through the movie for everyone to brush their teeth. This way, even if you or your kids fall asleep, dental care isn’t overlooked.

Keeping Teeth Healthy: Best Practices

To keep your family’s teeth healthy through the summer and beyond, use these best practices in your routines:

  • Brush properly: Brush teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to reach all surfaces, including the gum line and back teeth. Help and support the younger members in your family to avoid mistakes. 
  • Floss: Floss at least once a day to remove food debris and plaque between teeth, especially where a toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Use mouthwash: Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to help reduce germs, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath. You could even bring pocket-sized mouthwash on outings and to parties for a quick refresh after a meal.
  • Limit sweets: Reduce sugary snacks and drinks when possible. Instead, choose water, fruits, and oral-health-friendly snacks.
  • Maintain scheduled dental visits: Don’t skip dental appointments scheduled during summer. Routine checkups and cleanings help catch small problems before they become bigger issues.

Why Maintaining Your Teeth Health is Important

Maintaining good dental health offers many important benefits for you and your family:

  • Cavity prevention: Staying consistent with brushing and flossing helps manage plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
  • Safeguard against serious conditions, such as gum disease: Good oral hygiene reduces the risk of gum disease, which can affect overall oral health and lead to tooth loss when untreated.
  • Support for overall health: Your oral health can impact many other aspects of your physical and mental well-being. The National Library of Medicine reports that poor oral health is linked to increased risk of sleep disorders, heart disease, and diabetes.
  • Confidence boost: Better oral health can improve the look of your smile, as well as boost oral function and reduce health problems.

Family Dental Health Center: Idaho Falls Dentists by Your Side All Year Round

Oral health should be a priority all year round, but managing routines during the summer break can be hard. The team at Family Dental Health Center—including Dr. Bryce A. Burtenshaw and Dr. Galen Staley—can help, supporting you with information on best practices, tailored suggestions, and regular routine checks. 

Our dental services include: 

For access to information about these and other services, visit our Services webpage. 

Supporting Healthy Teeth

Healthy habits are important throughout the seasons, including Summer. Maintaining good dental hygiene habits and keeping up with regular dental visits can protect your family’s smiles. 

The Family Dental Health Center is positioned to help you keep your family’s teeth strong and healthy all summer—and beyond. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.