Vacation is not just for your kids: some parents are also on vacation from early mornings, lunch bag prep and the morning rush to get the kids to school on time. Our routines do shift a little in the summer and there may be a little more time to enjoy special experiences and treats. But teeth don’t know the difference and they do not become stronger over the summer like a superhero in a phone booth. So it’s important to help your kids stick to their dental hygiene habits!

Stick to good habits, or start better habits with your extra time.

Bedtimes may be later, but don’t let your child skip brushing before their heads hit the pillow. If they’re staying over at a relative’s or a friend’s house, your evening call can include a reminder for them to brush their teeth.

Habits take 21 days to stick. So if your little one is new to brushing on their own, summer is a great time to start and establish the habit of brushing in the morning, afternoon and at bedtime.

Time for Fun! Consider making your own ice cream and popsicles.

It’s hot. Kids love frozen treats when they’re melting down from outdoor activities in the sun. Sugar-free recipes for ice cream and popsicles are abound on the internet. Look them up and make your own. If you mix a few simple ingredients like heavy cream, 100% cocoa and bananas you have your very own chunky monkey ice cream!

Making popsicles couldn’t be easier. Popsicles turn juice into quick bites and kids can rinse their mouth with water afterward. Choose real fruit and real juice and water down with water before freezing them! Maybe consider getting some fun rubbery template forms to make popsicles in cool shapes that your kids will love.

Choose drinks wisely, even when it’s scorching hot.

Sports drinks, milkshakes, and sodas are everywhere in the summer, and they are even more tempting when you need something to cool off. Give your child ice cold water, plain carbonated water, infused water, or diluted juice as healthier alternatives.

And of course, visit us! See your pediatric dentist for a cleaning or a sealant, now or before school!

About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options.  We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.

39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI
48038
US
Phone: 586-286-0700
Fax: 586-286-5932