How To Make Sure Summer Fun Doesn’t Lead To Fall Cavities

By Platon Argyropoulos

Start your engines and get that third pot of coffee brewing, Hampton Roads mamas – it is almost SUMMERTIME! This time of year is exciting (and just a teensy bit overwhelming) for us moms, as it means sun, fun, planning, and lots of quality time with our little ones. However, most of us moms can attest that it also means lots of sugary treats! Between the ice cream truck coming down the block like clockwork every day and your little one adorably wanting to be like mommy and order a virgin version of your poolside Pina Colada (because hello, mama’s on vacation, too!), it is inevitable that our kiddos are going to be exposed to some extra sweets in the summertime. Unfortunately, this can have a larger impact than one of your child’s infamous bouncing-off-the-walls sugar rush sessions. Without the proper care and caution, it can also lead to the dreaded C-word – cavities.

Childhood cavities have been on the rise since the mid-1990’s. It is estimated that 51% of children 6 – 11 years of age have had dental caries (cavities) in their primary teeth, and that 1 in 5 (20%) of children aged 5 – 11 currently have at least one untreated decayed tooth. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Therefore, it is highly recommended that children should visit the dentist once every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up including x-rays.

There is no better time to schedule one of those bi-annual appointments than the summertime, when your child is out of school and your family’s schedule is more flexible. At this appointment, your pediatric dentist will clean your little one’s teeth and remove any pesky plaque build-up that could lead to cavities if untreated, as well as perform a fluoride treatment if needed. Your dentist will also impart important brushing and flossing techniques in an engaging, educational way that will empower your child to take great care of their teeth in between appointments, which will be especially key for their oral health during the sweet-laden days of summer.

A summertime trip to the dentist might sound like a drag to your little one, but I can promise you as a wife of a pediatric dentist and a parent that those in our field go above and beyond to make it a fun, positive experience for everyone! As a special summertime incentive, we will even throw in a free electric toothbrush for all new patients who mention this article who pay us a visit here at Hampton Roads Pediatric Dentistry this summer – the kids usually think they are pretty cool, which encourages them to practice awesome brushing habits! I know my son gets a kick out of using his and making his dentist daddy proud!

There’s nothing like an untreated cavity to put a damper on your child’s summer fun or cramp their back-to-school style – smart mamas, make sure that your child’s dentist appointment is on your summer checklist before the back-to-school preparations and hectic fall schedules begin!

Dr. Bobby Garofalis is a certified pediatric dentist who provides pediatric dental care to infants, children, teens and special needs patients in the Hampton Roads area. He completed his dental degree at the Medical College of Virginia and two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Temple University Hospital. Dr. Bobby loves working with children, and is committed to making a child’s dental visit a positive experience. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call (757) 224-3006 or click here: https://hrpediatricdentistry.com/