The Key to Healthy Summer Smiles

It’s summer! Longer days mean more time for fun. There are more potlucks and barbecues on the beach. And a time for good food and good fun for the entire ‘ohana. And the best part about living on Maui is a staycation right here on the Valley Isle to support our economy and local families.

Sweet Insights
Here are some simple summer tips to help make sure you and your keiki enjoy the best that summer has to offer without compromising your smiles: 

• Make smart, healthy choices about the snacks you offer keiki so they can maintain strong teeth. Consider offering your children alternative snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
  
  Here’s why: Sugar that lingers on your children’s teeth feed bacteria that eventually erode the enamel of their teeth and that leads to cavities. Sticky, gummy candies such as caramels and taffy can get stuck on their teeth and are difficult to remove. Hard candies such as lollipops take a while to dissolve. Sour candies contain acid that erode the enamel on teeth. Sugar-free gum help to reduce acids and bacteria after eating candy.
• Instead of juice, soda or a shave ice that contain sugar, consider providing water for your keiki water to cool off and stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
  

Back to Basics
Teaching your child about healthy eating habits provides a lifetime of good health and a lifetime of healthy smiles. This summer, return to the basics of dental health. Be sure children floss their teeth every day, brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and during the summer, be sure to take the time to make a dentist appointment.

Dental Care
To find a dentist near on Maui near you, visit hawaiidentalservice.com and click on the Find a Dentist tab. Search for a dentist that is convenient for you.

The HDS Foundation also supports a number of nonprofit organizations on Maui that provide free or discounted dental services. For a list of clinics on Maui, visit HDSFoundation.gives and click on Community Resources. You can search for Maui clinics that offer free or discounted services to maintain healthy smiles for your keiki and savings for you!