Preventing cavities in kids during summer break is an easy way to ensure a smoother, stress-free transition back to school. 

With a few simple habits, you can protect your child’s smile all season long. Read on for practical tips to keep your little one out of the dental chair this summer, so you can have more time to kick back and soak up the sunshine. 

A consistent oral hygiene routine helps prevent summer cavities and keeps smiles bright. 

Tips for Staying Cavity-Free

Summer means sunshine, ice-cold treats, and plenty of time outside, but don’t let your child’s smile take a vacation. The warmer months can introduce unique challenges for your child’s dental health, from sugary snacks to dehydrating heat. 

However, with the right strategies, fending off cavities can last longer than just the summer. 

• Hydrate the healthy way. Sports drinks, juice, and soda might satisfy a sweet craving, but they can also feed cavity-causing bacteria. Instead, encourage your child to sip plain water or add sugar-free flavorings. Water keeps them hydrated and rinses away food particles and bacteria throughout the day! 
• Snack smarter. Fresh fruits and veggies are great for growing bodies and healthy teeth. Try to limit carb-heavy snacks, such as chips and crackers, which break down into sugars that can fuel tooth decay. 
• Keep up the routine. Even without the school-day structure, stick to brushing before breakfast and after dinner. A consistent oral hygiene routine helps prevent summer cavities and keeps smiles bright. 
• Schedule a checkup. Kids need dental exams and cleanings every six months, no exceptions. Beat the back-school-rush by scheduling a visit in late summer, especially if you’re worried about how summer snacking might impact their teeth. 

Pro tip: The last problem you want to deal with during summer vacation is your child’s surprise toothache or cavity. However, if you find yourself in a dental emergency, Asheville Dental has you covered with these tips. 

Cavities are areas of tooth structure that have been damaged by decay, erosion from acidic foods and beverages, or even brushing too hard. 

Causes and Signs Your Child Has Cavities

Have you ever taken a bite of something sweet or sipped on a cold drink, only to feel a sharp twinge in your tooth? That sensitivity could be a sign of a cavity. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), cavities are areas of tooth structure that have been damaged by:

• Decay
• Erosion from acidic foods and beverages
• Brushing too hard

The only way to know for sure? A visit to your child’s dentist for a thorough evaluation. Catching cavities early is crucial to maintaining your child’s healthy and pain-free smile throughout the summer. 

Smiles Shine at Asheville Dental 

At Asheville Dental, we focus on complete preventative care for our patients. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to detect even the smallest cavities. 

If you’re concerned about your child’s oral hygiene or suspect they’re developing a cavity, contact us today!