For over 3 years, 2 times a year, plus dental care between tooth cleanings, every experience has been quite pleasant. Dr Stuart & all staff members are very friendly and caring. They answer all of your questions and do an excellent job. I have been extremely happy with all of my dental care and confident that I’m receiving excellent dental care. They are appreciated.
Summer is great for kids. Later bedtimes, relaxed schedules, more snacks, more fun. But all that freedom can also mean brushing gets skipped, sugary drinks pile up, and the good habits your child built during the school year start to slip.
The good news? A few simple strategies can keep their teeth on track all summer long — without turning it into a battle.
Stick to a Brushing Routine, Even When the Schedule Changes
The school year makes routines easy. Summer doesn’t. When bedtimes shift and mornings have no real start time, brushing can get lost in the shuffle.
Try anchoring brushing to something that still happens every day. After breakfast. Before a favorite show. Right after the evening snack. It doesn’t have to be at the same time as during the school year. It just has to happen consistently.
Make It Fun, Not a Fight
Kids are more likely to brush well when they actually enjoy it. A few things that help:
- Let them pick their own toothbrush — a favorite color, character, or electric option
- Use a two-minute song or a timer app to make brushing feel like a game
- Try flavored toothpaste formulated for kids
- Use a sticker chart for younger children to track their wins
Small things make a bigger difference than you’d expect.
Watch the Summer Snack and Drink Habits
Summer usually means more juice, sports drinks, popsicles, and sugary snacks. All of that adds up for little teeth.
You don’t have to eliminate the fun. Just balance it. Offer water as the default drink throughout the day. Save the sugary stuff for mealtimes rather than constant snacking. Encourage rinsing with water after sweets.
Frequency matters as much as quantity. Sipping a sports drink slowly over two hours does more damage than drinking it quickly with a meal.
Don’t Skip Their Cleaning This Summer
Summer is actually one of the best times to get your child’s dental cleaning done. There’s no school to work around, and kids are generally less stressed about taking time out of their day.
During their visit, our team will clean and polish their teeth, check for early signs of cavities, and screen for any developmental concerns. It’s also a great time to ask about fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Both are quick, easy, and give young teeth an extra layer of protection against decay.
Talk to Them About Why It Matters
Even young kids understand more than we give them credit for. You don’t need to scare them — just make it real. Healthy teeth mean fewer trips to the dentist for fillings. They mean no toothaches interrupting summer fun. They mean a strong, confident smile going into the next school year.
A little context goes a long way with kids.
Whether your child is due for their first cleaning of the year or their second, our team makes every visit easy and comfortable for kids. We love helping young patients build habits that last. Call Blue Mountain Dental Care at 509-593-0042 for an appointment in Walla Walla, WA. You can also request an appointment online.