HDG NEWS
5 Fun Ways to Keep Your Kids’ Teeth Healthy All Summer
12th August 2025
School’s out and Hertfordshire is officially in holiday-mode! With parents busy planning holidays and juggling work and childcare, little ones staying up later and spending more time outdoors, brushing and flossing can easily slip down the list of priorities.
At the same time, as children grow, their dental routines often become more independent - and sometimes a little inconsistent! With summer sleep-ins, snacking while gaming, and less supervision, older kids can be at higher risk for cavities, bad breath, and even enamel erosion.
At Hertfordshire Dental Group, we’re here to help you keep your child’s oral health on track while still enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Here are 5 fun, parent-approved tips to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright during the school break.
1. Make Brushing Fun
Without the usual school-day structure, brushing teeth can easily be forgotten - or rushed. Try turning it into a game! Create a summer-themed brushing chart and reward your child with stickers or small treats for brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Let your child choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste for a sense of independence and fun.
Download a free brushing timer app, or play your child’s favourite song for two minutes to keep them engaged.
Encourage older kids to stick to brushing twice a day and flossing once daily, even if they’re waking up later. If your teen has a phone, set a quick daily reminder for brushing and flossing - it’s a simple way to keep them accountable without nagging.
2. Pack Tooth-Friendly Summer Snacks
While Hertfordshire is buzzing with fairs, fêtes & food markets - it also brings the added temptations of ice cream, milkshakes, sticky sweets and candyfloss (invented by a dentist - ironically!).
For older children, long hours of binge-watching or gaming over the summer often come with constant snacking - something that can take a toll on their developing teeth.
Instead, offer:
Cheese cubes
Fresh fruit like apples or strawberries
Sugar-free yoghurt
Crunchy veggies like carrots or cucumber
These snacks are not only healthy - they actively support dental health by boosting saliva production and protecting enamel.
3. Encourage Water over Sugary Drinks
Staying hydrated is crucial during hot summer days - and water is the best option. It rinses away food particles, supports saliva flow, and contains no sugar.
Let your child add fresh fruit or fun reusable straws to make water more exciting.
Skip fizzy drinks, sports drinks, and too much juice - they're packed with sugar and acid.
Flavoured water bottles that use scent rather than added sugars or sweeteners are a popular way to encourage kids to drink more water throughout the day.
Because they don’t contain any sugar or acid, these bottles may help protect teeth from decay and enamel erosion while making hydration more enjoyable.
4. Schedule a Summer Check-Up
With no school drop-offs or homework to worry about, summer is a great time to get your child’s dental health check-up out of the way.
Bringing your child in for regular appointments is crucial, as baby teeth can develop and change rapidly. These visits allow us to catch any potential issues early on and provide the best care possible. Consistent appointments also help build a trusting relationship between your child and the dentist, making it easier to teach them good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Don’t forget to ask about our Child Membership Plan - a cost-effective way to cover routine dental care and support your child in developing lasting healthy routines.
5. Stay On Track With Orthodintics
If your child has braces, summer is the perfect time to check in on cleaning techniques, and ensure proper hygiene around brackets. Don’t forget to bring your child’s retainer to their appointment if they’re wearing one!
If your teen is wearing clear aligners (like Invisalign), summer is a great time to reinforce good habits:
Aligners should be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water
Teeth and aligners should be cleaned before popping them back in
Encourage wearing them the recommended 20–22 hours per day - even during holidays
Some aligner brands also offer tracking apps to monitor wear time.
Questions about Invisalign? Check out our handy FAQ or get in touch, we’re here to help.
Summer holidays often mean mean slower starts and looser routines - but oral health shouldn’t take a break. With a bit of creativity (and some support from our team), you can keep your child’s teeth healthy all summer long.
Get in touch to book your child’s summer check-up today, ask about our Child Membership Plan, or take advantage of our evening and after-school appointments to suit your schedule.
With a little extra care and healthy habits over the summer, your kids will be heading back to school with bright, confident smiles ready to take on the new academic year!
