Brushing Up

Summer break is here and with that comes trips to the cottage, camp, and lazy days where schedules go by the wayside. Although it’s OK to play it fast and loose with bedtimes and other routines, your family’s dental health should remain a priority this summer. Here are some easy tips to help your family stick to a healthy oral hygiene routine.

Pack for a healthy mouth Whether you’re going for a night, a week or all summer, pack your oral hygiene survival kit, including toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss.

Pack healthy snacks It’s easy to let your healthy eating mantra fall by the wayside when you travel but, with a little preplanning, it’s definitely doable to ensure your family doesn’t overindulge in those high-sugar foods that can lead to tooth decay. If you’re taking a road trip, pack a cooler with fruit, nuts, pretzels, popcorn, string cheese, yogurt, and other lowsugar, nutritious foods.

Take hygiene breaks When you take the inevitable pit stop breaks along the road, take that time to have everyone brush their teeth, or at least floss and use mouthwash if the facilities don’t permit a full brushing.

The important thing is to make dental hygiene and healthy snacking a priority, even in the summer. Summer is also a good time to schedule your family’s next dental appointments, while school is out.

Dr. Sanjay Agrawal and his team strive to provide compassionate, comprehensive and comfortable dental care to all of their patients, especially the kids.