How to Keep Kids’ Teeth Healthy During the School Holidays
Keep Your Kids Teeth Clean!
The school holidays are a time for relaxation, fun, and family bonding. However, with all the excitement, it’s easy for regular routines—including dental care—to slip. Late nights, sleepovers, road trips, and indulgent treats can disrupt the usual brushing and flossing habits, increasing the risk of cavities and other oral health problems.
The good news is that maintaining your child’s dental health during the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By incorporating a few simple strategies, you can ensure their teeth stay healthy while still enjoying all the holiday fun.
Even when the usual school-day schedules are out the window, make it a priority to stick to a consistent brushing and flossing routine. Kids should brush their teeth twice a day—morning and night—with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth.
If you’re travelling or your child is staying with friends or family, pack a small travel kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash to keep oral hygiene easy and accessible. A visual checklist or a reward system can help younger kids stay motivated to stick to the routine.
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Be Mindful of Holiday Treats
Holidays often mean an increase in sugary snacks, desserts, and drinks. While these treats are part of the fun, it’s important to moderate their consumption to protect your child’s teeth from decay.
Encourage your kids to drink water after consuming sugary foods to help wash away harmful acids and bacteria. If possible, offer healthier snack alternatives, such as fruits, cheese, nuts, or yoghurt, which are less likely to contribute to cavities and can even promote stronger teeth.
Staying hydrated is essential for oral health, especially during hot summer holidays. Water not only keeps kids refreshed but also helps rinse away food particles and neutralise acids in the mouth.
If your family lives in an area with fluoridated water, drinking tap water is an excellent way to give teeth an extra layer of protection. Avoid sugary or acidic beverages, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices, which can weaken enamel over time.
Engage your kids with activities that make dental care enjoyable. Let them choose a colourful toothbrush with their favourite characters or a toothpaste with a flavour they like. For younger children, consider playing their favourite song while they brush to ensure they’re brushing for the recommended two minutes.
You can also use apps or timers specifically designed to encourage proper brushing habits. Turning dental care into a game or challenge can help kids stay on track during the holidays.
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Encourage Healthy Holiday Habits
The holidays are a great opportunity to introduce habits that benefit both dental and overall health. Encourage kids to snack at set times rather than grazing throughout the day, as frequent snacking increases the risk of cavities.
After meals, if you’re comfortable you can offer your kids sugar free gum, however as kids may accidentally swallow or inhale gum if they are not used to it, this should be offered with caution.
The school holidays are the perfect time to book a dental check-up for your child. A visit to the dentist ensures any potential issues, such as cavities or alignment problems, are addressed before the new school term begins.
Regular check-ups also help reinforce the importance of oral hygiene to your kids and provide an opportunity to ask the dentist any questions you or your child might have.
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Be a Role Model
Children are more likely to maintain good habits when they see their parents practising the same behaviours. Brush and floss your teeth together as a family to make dental care a shared activity.
Use the holidays as a chance to teach kids about why oral hygiene matters. Explaining how brushing, flossing, and avoiding too many sweets keeps their teeth strong and healthy can empower them to take ownership of their dental care.
Late-night snacks are often a holiday indulgence, but they can be particularly harmful to teeth. Saliva production decreases at night, making it harder to wash away food particles and acids.
If your kids want a snack after dinner, choose tooth-friendly options like crunchy vegetables or a small piece of cheese, which can help neutralise acidity. Always ensure they brush their teeth before bed to minimise the risk of decay.
Final Thoughts
The school holidays may be a time of relaxation, but that doesn’t mean taking a break from dental care. By maintaining consistent habits, moderating sugary treats, and keeping oral hygiene fun, you can help your child enjoy the holidays while protecting their teeth.
With a bit of planning and a positive approach, your child can return to school with not just great memories but also a healthy and happy smile!