Summer Smiles for Tweens and Teens: 5 Dental Tips to Keep Their Teeth in Check

Dental care doesn’t stop because it’s summer.

Summer is the season of freedom. For teens and tweens, it means sleeping in, late-night movie marathons, pool parties, and a much-needed break from the rigid structure of the school year. But while the books are put away and the alarms are turned off, there is one thing that should never take a vacation: oral hygiene.

At Lake Pointe Dental Group, we know that the summer slide isn’t just about academics. Without the morning rush to get to the bus or the evening routine tied to homework, dental habits can quickly fall by the wayside. Between the constant grazing on snacks, the influx of sugary sports drinks, and the hectic schedule of summer camps, older kids’ teeth are under a unique set of pressures during the warmer months. To help your family navigate the season with healthy smiles, we’ve put together five essential dental tips tailored specifically for the tween and teen years.

Tip #1: Don’t let brushing and flossing slip.

When the school routine disappears, so does the natural cue for many teens and tweens to brush their teeth. Without the pressure of being ready before the bus arrives, a morning brush might be forgotten until noon, or even skipped entirely. Consistency is the foundation of a cavity-free summer. Encourage your teen to stick to brushing for two minutes twice a day, regardless of when they wake up or go to bed. If they are sleeping in, remind them that morning breath is a sign of bacteria that needs to be cleared away immediately.

Another golden rule of a great dental hygiene routine is flossing. With more time on their hands, summer is actually a great time for your tween or teen to master the art of flossing.

If your tween or teen is spending the night at a friend’s or heading to sleepaway camp, make sure they are prepared. Keep a stash of travel-sized toothbrushes and toothpaste readily available so that those items can be grabbed easily and tossed into an overnight bag.

Tip #2: Watch out for sugary summer snacks and drinks.

Summer is synonymous with treats. Whether it’s a blue raspberry slushie from the snack shack, a popsicle by the pool, or a cold sports drink after a soccer match, the sugar intake for teens tends to spike during the summer. But when sugar sits on the teeth, bacteria feast on it, producing acid that erodes enamel.

Since teens are often independent snackers, try stocking the kitchen with tooth-friendly snacks. Instead of reaching for a popsicle or slushie, keep frozen grapes and watermelon on hand. These fruits are low in sugar, but have a high water content, meaning they can help keep your child hydrated. Instead of sticky fruit snacks or candy, try cheese sticks or low-fat yogurt. These items are high in calcium and phosphates,  both of which help strengthen the enamel on the teeth. And when it comes to energy drinks, consider water infused with fruit, like lemon.

Tip #3: Stay hydrated with water.

Hydration is vital for overall health in the heat, but it’s also a secret weapon for dental health. Drinking water acts as a constant rinse for the mouth, washing away lingering food particles and neutralizing acids. It also helps to keep the mouth’s pH in balance.

For teens and tweens in braces or retainers, hydration is even more critical. Dry mouth (xerostomia) can lead to increased irritation from orthodontic brackets. Without enough saliva to naturally clean the mouth, those with braces are at a much higher risk for decalcification around their hardware. Remind your teen that every sip of water is a mini-cleaning for their smile.

Tip #4: Protect teeth during sports and outdoor fun.

Summer is the peak season for dental emergencies. From organized baseball leagues to casual games or biking at the park, the risk of a chipped or knocked-out tooth increases when kids are active.

If your child is involved in any contact or high-velocity sport, a mouth guard is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy. Even for activities like skateboarding or mountain biking, a fall can result in significant dental trauma. If a tooth is chipped or knocked out during one of these high-impact activities, remember that time is of the essence. Find the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root. Rinse the tooth gently with water, and if possible, try to place it back in the socket or keep it moist in a container of milk. Then call Lake Pointe Dental Group immediately for more instructions.

Tip #5: Schedule that summer checkup.

The back-to-school rush in late August is real. Trying to squeeze in a dental cleaning between school supply shopping and sports physicals can be a challenge. Taking advantage of the flexible June and July schedule is the smartest move a parent can make.

A summer visit to Lake Pointe Dental Group allows us to do more than just clean teeth. We use this time to monitor your teen’s growth and development to see how their adult teeth are coming in. We can also offer orthodontic options, like Invisalign, if your teen is looking to straighten their smile. And if your tween is susceptible to cavities, we can apply a dental sealant to their molars. A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars to help prevent cavities.

Your kids deserve a healthy start to the school year.

A healthy summer smile sets the stage for a successful school year. No one wants their child to miss the first week of classes due to a preventable toothache. By keeping an eye on their habits and ensuring they stay hydrated and protected, you’re helping them head back to school with confidence. Contact Lake Pointe Dental Group today to schedule your teen’s summer checkup. Let’s make sure their smile stays as bright as the summer sun!