Parents are urged not to neglect childrens oral health over the summer holidays

Summer holidays often mean that children have an increased opportunity to snack while they are away from school and Queensway Dental Clinic is encouraging parents to take extra care of their children’s teeth and advising how to counteract the effects of snacking.

Whilst for a child, summer is all about relaxation and having fun, it is important for parents to recognise the signs of tooth decay caused by fizzy drinks and sugary foods, which are more accessible and appealing over the warmer months and during holidays abroad. When sugar is consumed, plaque starts to coat the teeth with a sticky film that can eventually cause acids to wear away the tooth enamel. This is why brushing teeth twice a day is a necessary part of your child’s daily routine.

If travelling abroad, routines should be maintained, paying special attention to the amount of acidic and sugary foods consumed. In addition, travel can mean routines are disrupted, but ensuring your children’s teeth are brushed is as important as ever, which is why we suggest you pack a toothbrush in your hand luggage where it is easily accessible.

Dr Will Carter, Dentist, at Queensway Dental Clinic said: “Trips out to the beach or going abroad often mean enjoying an ice cream and candyfloss; sugary snacks which are not good for children’s teeth. While we cannot prevent them from having these altogether, we can help keep teeth healthy by taking a few simple steps."

“Ensuring that children remember to brush their teeth and helping them maintain a healthy diet is of the utmost importance. How a child’s teeth are treated from a young age can have a lasting effect on how their adult teeth evolve.”

Queensway’s top children’s oral health tips over summer are:

• Try to keep sugary drinks and foods to a minimum
• Make sure routines are stuck to, and that teeth are brushed every morning and night for 2 minutes
• If travelling outside your normal routine, pack a toothbrush in your hand luggage so it’s easily accessible
• Stock up on healthy, delicious snacks as an alternative to sugary ones
• Make sure you don’t miss routine check-ups due to holidays or a busy summer schedule
• Pack your EU health card and check you have dental travel insurance when travelling abroad – Denplan, the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist, includes emergency cover abroad and is available to join at Queensway

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