At last, the most anticipated time of the year has arrived: the days grow longer, the temperatures rise… and with the final day of school, our children welcome the start of summer vacation.
After months spent bent over books or following their teachers’ guidance, the long‑awaited freedom of summer is a moment of pure joy for the little ones. Ahead of them stretch endless weeks filled with play, exploration, and family holidays.
This slower pace naturally brings a more relaxed attitude toward rules. Bedtimes get later, ice cream becomes a more frequent treat – and teeth can feel the effects.
The daily routine gives way to the pleasant novelty of a week at the beach, a mountain retreat, or a visit to a city of art or a European capital. Nothing quite like a trip — with all its excitement and new experiences — can positively turn our children’s world upside down. It is up to us as parents to guide them in maintaining healthy smiles even when we set off towards our summer holiday destination. Let us never forget: younger teeth need a little extra care!
Good Habits Don’t Take a Holiday
The schedule may be packed, and the inclination to enforce the rules may wane now that we can finally relax — but maintaining the oral hygiene routine we have taught our children to follow at home is the first step towards keeping their teeth healthy on holiday too. Encouraging younger ones to adopt a healthy habit may take weeks of effort, but just one week of laziness can undo all the progress made. The number one rule for every parent, therefore, must be to set the tone for the holiday with consistency: whether we are at the beach or in the mountains, after every meal — everyone brushes their teeth!
A Suitcase… Holiday-Proof Smile Guaranteed
Swimsuit or hiking boots? Packed. Sun cream? Packed. But in our children’s luggage, we must also make sure to leave room for an oral hygiene kit. Pay particular attention to the toothbrush: make sure to use a perforated plastic toothbrush cover. Ventilation allows the bristles to stay dry, limiting bacterial growth.
The kit must also include the other essential elements for keeping teeth in top condition: toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, and saliva substitute sprays. On holiday, it is common to eat out or snack during a walk without having the immediate opportunity to brush, as we have taught our children to do. To deal with these pleasant predicaments, it can be very useful to carry a saliva substitute — it allows oral pH to be buffered after eating, limiting the proliferation of the bacteria that cause cavities and buying us the time we need to reach a toothbrush.
If we prefer to travel light — whether due to airline restrictions or because we have an on-the-go holiday planned — it is useful to choose oral hygiene products in travel-sized packaging, or to decant the desired amount into reusable containers.
A Healthy Diet
The summer holidays are the perfect time to indulge in a few treats. Whether it is an ice cream snack after a day at the beach or a slice of cake at a mountain lodge, our children are never more exposed to continuous temptations than when we are on holiday.
Limiting sugar intake is always rule number one for keeping teeth healthy. A little indulgence is fine, but whenever possible we should encourage kids to choose healthier options, such as fresh fruit snacks.
Hydration First and Foremost
It is the fundamental rule for staying healthy, but in the heat of the summer months it becomes even more important not to forget to stay adequately hydrated. Dehydration also affects oral health, causing a reduction in saliva production and therefore a greater susceptibility of the mouth to attack by harmful microorganisms.
Long train or plane journeys to reach holiday destinations can tempt our children to quench their thirst with less suitable drinks: it is always better to avoid consuming sweet and carbonated beverages, which are often acidic and consistently harmful to dental health.
Finally, on a sunny afternoon the temptation to quench one’s thirst with an ice-cold drink is irresistible. Ice, however, is no friend to teeth — it can damage enamel and cause painful reactions in those who are particularly sensitive. Using a straw helps limit this type of damage, although it is always preferable to consume beverages that are not excessively cold.
A Dental Check‑Up Before You Go
The weeks before departure are the ideal time for a dental check-up: let us suggest to our children that they schedule their periodic visit shortly before the holiday, so that they can head into their well-deserved days of rest with teeth and gums in top condition. Nobody wants to risk a cavity on the beach, after all!
