School’s out for summer!!! Many children are already outdoors playing tag, swimming in the pool or enjoying the delights at the fair. Here are some ways that parents can ensure their kids enjoy summer vacation without neglecting their oral health care!

Swimming Pools
Research has shown that people who spent more than 6 hours a week in swimming pools ended up with discolored front teeth. Bad levels of pH in a pool can break down proteins in saliva and leave a brownish stains on your teeth. If the pool’s pH balance isn’t properly cared for, the water can also soften enamel, leading to an increased risk of decay and damage. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and fluoride treatments can combat both of these problems!

Summertime Foods and Beverages…and Your Smile
During the summer, kids are probably going to attend a lot of fairs, cookouts, and sporting events, and with that comes a variety of beverages and snacks. Summertime drinks include soda, sports drinks, and lemonade, all of which are loaded with sugar. But don’t brush your teeth too soon after consuming acidic beverages! These drinks can soften enamel, and brushing while the enamel is soft can do more damage. Wait at least an hour before you brush! If possible, limit the sugar intake by diluting your drink with water to reduce the risk of cavities.

Sports
While the kiddos are getting their teeth tickled ask about getting a customized mouth guard made to protect their teeth while they participate in outdoor sports and recreational activities!

For more information about HealthNet’s Dental services, please visit www.indyhealthnet.org or call 317-957-2450.

We asked Dr. Philip Woller, DDS, why these check-ups are so important. Dr. Woller serves as dental director for HealthNet’s six dental clinics, which care for over 6,500 kids and adults each year. Here’s what he told us about kids and tooth decay:

1. After the common cold, it’s the most prevalent chronic childhood disease. Tooth decay is an infectious disease and over half of school children, ages 5 through 9, have at least one cavity. And, the problem is increasing dramatically in preschool-age kids.
2. Dental-related illnesses account for 52 million lost school hours each year. Because serious tooth decay can affect overall health, it can lead to problems with eating, talking, concentrating in class, learning and can eventually lead to school absences.
3. It’s preventable. You can stop the decay caused by bacteria by making sure your children brush and floss regularly and by taking advantage of affordable dental care in your neighborhood to schedule regular checkups.

A dental exam is just as important as booster shots and should be a regular part of back-to-school preparations, echo the American Dental Association (ADA) and theAmericanAcademyof Pediatrics (AAP).

Back-to-school dental check ups should be easier to schedule during the weeks before students’ calendars fill up with after-school sports and homework. If you don’t already have a dentist, click here to find out which HealthNet dental clinic is closest to you.

Our sixth location opens this month and is just for kids. HealthNet Pediatric & Adolescent Care Center (PACC) is pleased to begin offering dental check-ups and cleanings for established PACC patients ages 0-5 each Thursday, beginning July 12. Learn more!