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So school is almost out. The kids are more than happy as they look forward to six weeks of relative freedom, while parents are making last minute preparations to keep them occupied and out of trouble. With the inevitable change of routine, it is important to think ahead to make sure your family’s teeth stay in tip top condition through the holidays. Here are our top 4 tips.

1. Be Snack Wise

Without the usual school day routine, it is normal during the summer holidays for children to consume more snacks than they would otherwise. Try to ensure that your children have low sugar snacks as much as possible, and encourage them not to snack too much between meals. If they do have sugary snacks, these are best eaten at meal times rather than between to reduce the length of time that teeth are exposed to sugar. Ensuring that your kids have nutritious breakfasts and lunches will help offset hunger and help to reduce snacking. Also, be cautious of what you have in the cupboards if the kids are at home – we all know what happens when we are distracted with work and other adult duties…

2. Drink Sensibly

Another major cause of tooth decay in children is sugary drinks. Your kids will need to stay hydrated during the holidays, but try to ensure they consume low sugar or even sugar free drinks as much as possible – pure water is great if they will accept it but there is plenty of choice in most supermarkets. Taking the time to check the labels is definitely time well spent.

3. Play Safe

For many parents and kids alike, action packed activities are a staple ingredient of a fun filled summer holiday. Whether it’s dad and the boys having a bit of rough and tumble or a sports activity camp for the kids, make sure that your children have tooth protection if recommended – some sports such as rugby advise the use of a specialist gum shield to help protect the teeth. In any case, if your child does experience any form of impact with the teeth or jaws, don’t be afraid to contact your dentist and seek their advice. Even if there is no visible damage, a checkup may be recommended.

4. Keep Brushing

Another big risk during the summer holidays is that your children fail to keep to their tooth brushing regime. Late nights are one of the biggest culprits, especially when it comes to teenagers. If your children stay up later than you do, there is a risk that they simply won’t bother to brush their teeth. Make sure that you have a system in place to ensure that teeth are being brushed properly at least twice a day. Your children may not like your keen interest now, but trust us – they’ll thank you for it later.

At Sharoe Green Dental Practice in Preston, we offer the very best in preventative dentistry for all the family, helping to avoid disease and decay before they become problems. To enquire about becoming a member or book an appointment now, call us on 01772 718753 or click here to contact us online.