Summer dental checkups help children start holidays with healthy smiles

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
BODRUM, Turkey — Dental checkups before the summer holiday can help children avoid pain, cavities and unexpected treatment needs while supporting healthy oral and jaw development.

As schools close and families prepare for the summer break, experts say children’s oral and dental health should not be overlooked. Memorial Bodrum Hospital pediatric dentistry specialist Prof. Dr. Aylin Akbay Oba said dental visits are often postponed during the school year because of lessons, exams and busy family schedules. A checkup before the holiday, she said, can help detect cavities early, evaluate jaw development and prevent possible orthodontic problems before they become more difficult to manage.

Summer break is a practical time for dental care

The school year can make routine dental care difficult for children. Appointment times may clash with classes, after-school programs or exam preparation, while evening visits can be challenging when children are tired.

Summer break offers families a more flexible window to plan dental examinations and treatments. According to Prof. Dr. Oba, a simple pre-holiday dental checkup can reveal existing problems at an early stage and allow treatment to be scheduled more comfortably.

This is especially important for families planning to travel to another city or country. Toothache, dental abscesses, broken teeth or other urgent oral health problems during a holiday can disrupt both the child’s comfort and the family’s plans. A preventive visit before departure can reduce the risk of such surprises.

Baby teeth should not be ignored

One of the most common misconceptions among parents is that baby teeth are less important because they will eventually fall out. Pediatric dentists warn that this approach can lead to long-term problems.

Baby teeth play a critical role in a child’s nutrition, speech development, jaw growth and future tooth alignment. Each baby tooth acts as a natural guide for the permanent tooth that will replace it. If baby teeth are lost too early, children may face chewing difficulties, crowding, narrow jaw development or bite problems in later years.

Prof. Dr. Oba said the first dental visit should take place when the first baby tooth erupts. Regular follow-up makes it possible to monitor oral development, identify early decay risk and guide families on age-appropriate dental care.

Preventive treatments can lower cavity risk

Preventive dentistry is one of the most effective ways to protect children’s teeth before problems appear. Fissure sealants and fluoride applications are among the common protective treatments used in pediatric dentistry.

Fissure sealants are applied to the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars. These grooves can easily trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities. Sealants help create a protective barrier in these hard-to-clean areas.

Fluoride applications can also help strengthen tooth enamel and support resistance against decay. In addition to preventive care, children may need fillings for decayed baby or permanent teeth, root canal treatment in certain cases, treatment for dental injuries, baby tooth extractions, space maintainers, child prostheses or early orthodontic evaluation.

Functional issues such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing and incorrect swallowing patterns may also require professional assessment because they can affect jaw development and tooth alignment.

Healthy teeth support healthy growth

Children’s oral health is not only an aesthetic issue. Healthy teeth contribute to proper chewing, balanced nutrition, clear speech, jaw development and self-confidence.

A child who has tooth pain or difficulty chewing may avoid certain foods, eat less comfortably or experience problems in daily routines. Visible dental problems may also affect how children speak, smile or interact socially.

During holidays, routines often change. Children may go to bed later, consume more snacks, drink more sugary beverages and forget brushing habits. These changes can increase the risk of cavities, especially when oral hygiene is already inconsistent.

Experts say summer should not be a period when dental habits are abandoned. Instead, it can be used to strengthen daily routines and complete preventive care before the next school year begins.

Sugary drinks and snacks need extra attention

Ice cream, fruit juice, fizzy drinks, sweets and packaged snacks are often consumed more frequently during summer holidays. When these foods and drinks are taken repeatedly throughout the day, the teeth are exposed to sugar and acid for longer periods.

Dentists recommend a balanced approach rather than strict bans. Families can limit frequent snacking, encourage water after sugary foods and make brushing part of the morning and evening routine.

Children should brush their teeth twice a day. Younger children may still need help from parents to make sure brushing is done properly. Older children may need reminders, especially when holiday schedules become more relaxed.

Maintaining these habits during the summer can help prevent cavities and reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

Outdoor activities can increase dental trauma risk

Summer also brings more outdoor play, sports and physical activity. Cycling, skating, running, swimming, playground games and contact sports can increase the risk of falls and injuries to the mouth and teeth.

Dental trauma can include a chipped tooth, a loosened tooth or a tooth that is completely knocked out. In such cases, families should seek dental care quickly. Early intervention can improve the chance of saving the tooth and preventing further complications.

Children who participate in sports or have previously experienced dental trauma may benefit from protective equipment. Mouthguards and other safety measures can reduce the impact of blows to the face and mouth.

Five practical tips before the holiday

Prof. Dr. Oba recommends that families take a few simple steps before children begin their summer holiday. The first is to schedule a dental checkup before report cards are issued or immediately afterward. This helps identify any urgent needs before travel plans begin.

Second, children should continue brushing twice a day throughout the holiday. Third, families should pay attention to increased consumption of sugary drinks and snacks. Fourth, protective measures should be considered during sports and active outdoor games to reduce the risk of dental trauma. Finally, regular dental follow-ups should not be postponed.

Experts say a short dental visit before the summer break can prevent larger problems later. It can also help children return to school with healthier teeth, greater comfort and a more confident smile.

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