4 Ways to Protect Your Child’s Smile While on Vacation

You and the family are on your way to a fun-filled vacation at the beach. You’re looking forward to a week of excitement, laughter, and lifelong memories, but are you prepared if a sudden oral injury occurs? Do you know what you can do to prevent dental emergencies in the first place? A pediatric dentist in Coppell shares 4 things that will keep your child’s smile damage-free while on vacation this summer.

Practice Safety While Swimming

Your little ones can’t wait to get to the pool, but their excitement might cost them a trip to the emergency dentist. While watching them swim, make sure they are aware of their surroundings. A fun race from one end to the other can result in a knocked-out tooth because someone wasn’t paying attention to the wall.

Pack Healthy Snacks

No one wants to deal with a nagging toothache while on vacation, so make sure you’re packing healthy foods for your kids to eat while on the road or the plane. Sugary and starchy items are fine in moderation, but it’s best to offer fruits, vegetables, cheese, and nuts (as long as they’re not allergic) as better alternatives. Should they consume too many sweets or carbs along the way, harmful acids can begin to eat away at their tooth enamel, causing cavities to form. If dental caries already exist and the problem worsens, you’ll likely need to take time away from your fun vacation to get them in to see a local dentist.

Keep Teeth Clean While On the Road

Whether you’re driving or flying to your destination, make sure to bring along a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste. Why? Not only are these easier to transport, but they’re great for keeping your teeth and gums clean while on a long road trip or while waiting in the airport. Prolonged snacking can wreak havoc on young teeth, so each time you make a stop, have your child go into the bathroom and brush their teeth. This will ensure that bad bacteria and food particles don’t remain in place too long, allowing your child to enjoy a healthier smile while on vacation.

Schedule a Dental Checkup Before You Leave

One of the best pieces of advice to consider is scheduling a dental checkup for your little one before you leave on your trip. Allowing a pediatric dentist to check their teeth and gums will give you greater peace of mind that their smiles are in optimal shape for the week ahead. If problems do exist, it’s better to get them taken care of before you leave than to wait and hope that nothing more serious happens while you’re away.

When spending time with your family on vacation, make memories that don’t involve a sudden trip to the emergency dentist. By taking added precautions, you can safeguard everyone’s smiles and enjoy more time together wherever you choose to go this summer.

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She and her team are pleased to provide helpful tips and tricks to keep your little one’s smile safe this summer. From healthy foods and hydration to careful play and consistent oral hygiene schedules, contact us at (972) 393-9779 to learn what you need to do to avoid a trip to the emergency dentist while on vacation.