As summer rolls around, parents often see their kids go to more sleepovers at their family and friends’ houses! Sleepovers are a great opportunity for your kids to practice healthy routines on their own, but they might need some reminders before they head out for the night. Here are some tips on how to help kids maintain dental routines while away and set them up for success.
Common Dental Routine Challenges During Sleepovers
When you’re out of your routine, it can be hard to keep up with healthy habits. So it’s no surprise that kids often tend to forget to brush their teeth or floss during sleepovers! Other challenges of sleepovers include eating more sugary or sticky foods than normal, feeling embarrassed about certain things like orthodontic aligners, and not packing the right tools. That’s why it’s important to prepare your child before they leave home.
How to Prepare for Sleepovers
Before you drop off your child at a friend or family member’s house, it’s important to make sure they’re prepared. Make sure to discuss keeping up their oral health routines with them and pack their bags for success.
Here’s a packing checklist to get you and your child started:
- Toothbrush
- Travel toothpaste
- Floss or floss picks
- Retainer and retainer case, if needed
- Orthodontic wax, if needed
- Travel mouthwash (optional)
Sleepover Treats and Snacks
We know that kids are always hungry, which means they’re likely eating a lot of snacks while away! Here are some foods that your kids should be careful eating, especially if they have orthodontic aligners or braces:
- Sugary, sticky foods (for example, caramel, processed foods, hard taffy, fruit snacks)
- Hard foods (popcorn, nuts, hard candies)
Here are some sleepover-safe alternative snacks they may enjoy:
- Fruit like bananas, strawberries, and apples
- String cheese or cheese blocks
- Yogurt cups
We all know how awful it would be to have a cracked tooth or braces while away, so make sure to encourage your child or teen to make good food choices.
Conclusion
Those are our best tips for how to help kids maintain dental routines while they’re away! With planning and encouragement to make good choices, spending a night away can help your child practice healthy habits over the long-term. It can also help them feel more confident and practice responsibility while away. We hope you and your family have a safe and healthy summer!
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in St. Louis Park, MN or Bloomington, MN?
At Krengel Dental, we offer pediatric dentistry and encourage you to bring your kids in for a visit! You can learn more about dentistry for kids here. You can make an appointment online at one of our St. Louis Park or Bloomington, MN dental locations and we’d be happy to help your kids with important oral health habits!
