With the school year wrapping up and summer around the corner, now is a great time to schedule pediatric dental checkups for your little ones. Summer break allows for more flexibility in making appointments without missing school, allowing your child to address dental needs without conflict. 

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of childhood development. These visits establish a healthy, positive relationship between children and dentists, and ensure their teeth are clean and free from cavities. Additionally, pediatric visits ensure your children’s overall oral health is in good condition ahead of summer break or vacation. 

In this article, we’ll explore what makes summer the perfect time to schedule pediatric dentist visits and examine some potential oral health services to consider during the extended break.

What Makes Summer a Great Time for Pediatric Dental Appointments

With kids no longer in school, summer allows for more flexibility when booking appointments for your children, whether it’s for a cleaning or a more complex procedure. 

These appointments help ensure your children are free from cavities or gum issues, and if there is an issue, it can be treated early before vacations or other social events. Adjusting orthodontic appliances or sealants in the summer can minimize disruptions in children’s schedules and make certain they are not missing valuable time at school. 

Scheduling follow-up appointments may also be easier in the summer, especially if children need orthodontic procedures (such as braces installation) or treatment of more serious oral health issues, such as loose or dislodged teeth.

Essential Pediatric Dental Services

When making a pediatric dental appointment over the summer, several essential services will help ensure your child’s oral health remains in top condition.

Cleanings and Exams

Bi-annual cleanings and exams are essential for both kids and adults alike. These cleanings help remove plaque that may not have come off during daily brushings. They can also spot hidden cavities, evaluate gum health, and provide opportunities for dentists to give tips on how to establish the best oral health care routine at home. 

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel, which is particularly helpful if a child’s diet is high in sugar. The summer months can often mean adjustments in diets and the consumption of more sweet treats like candy and ice cream, so fluoride treatments can help offset any negative impact those have on a child’s teeth and gums. 

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants provide a protective coating on molars, which guards against decay. This is also a helpful treatment for kids in the summer that combats unhealthy snacking. Dental sealants can drastically reduce the risk of cavities and help keep teeth in good condition.

Helping Kids Overcome Dental Anxiety

While summer may be an optimal time to schedule dental appointments for kids, they may not always be enthusiastic about a trip to the dentist. Some children experience anxiety both before and during dental visits, which can make bringing them in to have their teeth checked a difficult experience for everyone. 

Encourage open discussions about upcoming appointments and explain each step calmly. Be sure to emphasize to your children the importance of these visits, that it will not be painful and that it may, in fact, prevent their mouth and teeth from hurting more in the future.  Reward cooperation with small rewards to give kids something to look forward to after a visit. 

It’s also important that you, as a parent, feel confident and comfortable about dental visits.  According to a study published in MDPI, children of parents who have dental anxiety are more prone to have dental anxiety themselves. 

At-Home Dental Care 

While bringing children in for a dental visit is important, it’s equally important to practice good oral hygiene at home.  Make sure that your children are brushing their teeth at least twice per day with a soft-bristle brush, and instruct them to focus on hard-to-reach areas like back teeth.

Also, be sure to teach proper flossing technique and encourage children to floss at least once per day to remove plaque between teeth and under the gumline. 

Although it may be challenging in the summer months, it’s also important to limit the intake of sugary snacks and drinks. Opt instead for plenty of water and nutrient-rich foods that are good for oral health. 

Planning for Summer Activities

There are also several important things you can do to keep your children’s oral health protected during the summer. For example, if your child plays contact sports, consider using a custom-fitted mouthguard for extra protection from tooth dislodgement or jaw or gum damage. 

When on the go, keep an emergency dental kit in your vehicle with items like gauze or a small container to keep knocked-out teeth. If traveling for vacation, make sure kids have a high-quality toothbrush and floss so they maintain positive oral health habits when away from home. 

If your kids need to make a follow-up appointment for extra orthodontic work or additional care, make sure to schedule it early enough that your child will have time to recover before school restarts. 

Pediatric Dental Appointments Available at Ideal Dental

With the summer break just around the corner, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for your child to ensure teeth are clean and healthy heading into the summer. 

Proactive cleanings and treatments can reduce the risk of dental problems arising during the busy warmer months, so acting fast can save you time and money in the long run. 

If you’re ready to book a cleaning or dental procedure for your child, contact your local Ideal Dental today to schedule an appointment.