Kids need a break from school. Adults need a break from the routine. Spring break can’t get here fast enough! Whether you’re planning a vacation or a staycation with your family, make sure that you don’t take a vacation from good oral hygiene.
However you and your family choose to relax, you can follow these dental tips for a healthy spring break.
1. Grab Water On-the-Go, Not Sugary Drinks
Everyone likes to indulge a little bit while they’re on vacation. It’s easy to grab a juice or a soda from the gas station when you’re on a road trip. It’s not always easy to say no to the kids when they’re asking for a soda at a restaurant on the beach. But plaque-causing bacteria never go on vacation. Continue to choose water over sugary drinks. Try packing water bottles for the journey and fill them up as you go.
2. Pack Dental Friendly Snacks
Chips, cookies, and candy are fun, but crispy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, pears, and celery are delicious and can help keep teeth clean. These natural toothbrushes wipe plaque off of teeth, gums, and tongue. They can also freshen breath (which never hurts after a long day of traveling). Choosing teeth-friendly snacks not only makes your kid’s teeth healthier, but it can also help your kids avoid the mood swings that go along with junk food.
3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum stimulates the flow of saliva which washes away sugar and leftover bits of food. It removes pieces of food from teeth, too.
There’s another benefit if you are traveling by air or driving to the mountains. That changing air pressure can be painful for kids as their ears adjust. In addition to keeping teeth clean, chewing gum can also help relieve discomfort.
Give your kids their own pack of gum for the ride. Challenge them to a bubble-blowing contest. As a bonus for you, your kids aren’t bothered with boredom, and their mouths will be too busy for bickering!
4. Maintain Your Regular Brushing and Flossing Routine
Sleeping in and staying in unfamiliar places shouldn’t keep you from taking care of your teeth and gums. Follow our dental tips for a healthy spring break, but however you choose to relax, the most important thing is to maintain your brushing and flossing routine.
5. Do a Little Spring Cleaning Over Spring Break
At PERFECT TEETH, we do our best to accommodate people’s work and school schedules, but we know it can be difficult to find time for dental care when you’re juggling work, school, and after-school activities. If you’re spending your spring break at home, consider using this time to take care of your family’s regular teeth cleanings and dental procedures.
Are you ready for a little “spring cleaning”? Contact a PERFECT TEETH dental office to schedule your appointment.
