There’s always so much to do before you head out on summer vacation when you have kids. Packing suitcases, hiring a pet sitter, and booking flights are just a few items that you might have on your checklist, but as a parent you can’t forget your child’s oral health! While it may not seem like a convenient time to schedule their dental checkup, making this appointment during the sunny season just makes sense!
You’ve Got Time
With school on break and many extracurricular activities on hold until fall, summertime means free time for appointments like dental exams. Take advantage of your blank calendar and book their semi-annual oral health checkup. Hopefully they won’t need any additional intervention, but if they do, their newfound freedom will allow them plenty of time for recovery, too!
Get Back-to-School Ready
While it’s true that summer just started, it will be back-to-school time before you know it! Why not stay ahead of the curve this year and get your child’s oral health in shape before school starts. Don’t start the new semester on the wrong foot. Take care of any issues like cavities before the kids head back, so they don’t have to miss valuable instructional time during the fall.
An Ounce of Prevention
A large part of oral health care is preventing accidents and injuries. Brushing and flossing helps lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, just like wearing a custom mouth guard in summer sports activities like skating, volleyball, and baseball can help protect teeth from chips and breakage.
If you or someone in your family partakes in athletic activities this season, be sure to schedule an appointment for a mouthguard to keep teeth safe from accidental injury all year long.
Summer School
While it’s safe to say that most kids probably don’t want to go to school during their break, summer vacation is the perfect opportunity for them to “brush up” on their oral hygiene skills. Use this downtime to check in on their brushing and flossing habits. Are they brushing correctly, and for at least two minutes? Are they flossing in between every tooth? If you notice any areas that need improvement, you’ve got the time to offer guidance and make sure they understand proper techniques, so when life gets busy again, you can rest assured that they can handle their hygiene on their own!
Remember, summer break is supposed to be a time to relax and unwind. But before you tune out the world, make sure you take a moment to make sure your child’s oral health is on point. You’ll be much more relaxed knowing that your family’s teeth and gums are healthy!
About Dr. Cushing
Dr. Bryce Cushing truly enjoys helping kids feel safe and at ease in the dental chair. Whether it’s a general exam or a corrective procedure, Dr. Cushing loves showing kids there’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to their oral health.
At Surf’s Up Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Cushing and the team provide calm, compassionate care in a fun setting. Dr. Cushing remains active in many prestigious dental organizations, including the Nebraska Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us at 402-922-8832.