How to Keep On Top of Your Oral Health During the British Summer Holidays
The British summer holidays are a time for relaxation, travel, and family fun. Whether you’re planning a trip abroad, staying local in sunny Devon, or simply enjoying a break from routine, it’s easy to let your oral health slip down the priority list. But maintaining good dental habits during the summer is just as important as during term time or your usual working week.
At Inspired Dental Care in Exeter, we’re passionate about helping families stay on track with their dental care all year round. Here are our top tips to keep your smiles healthy and bright throughout the summer holidays – without missing out on any of the fun.
- Stick to a comprehensive brushing routine – Even on Holiday
During the summer break, routines tend to go out of the window. Late nights, lie-ins, sleepovers, and travel can all disrupt daily habits – and that includes brushing teeth.
We recommend brushing twice a day for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste. Make it part of your morning and bedtime routine, wherever you are. If you’re travelling, pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste for convenience – and don’t forget to bring floss or interdental brushes too.
At Inspired Dental Care in Exeter, we often see children and teens who’ve let brushing habits slide during the holidays, only to face decay and gum issues come September. Keeping that routine going can help avoid any unwelcome surprises.
- Be Sugar Smart with Holiday Treats
Summer is full of temptations – ice creams, lollies, fizzy drinks, and sweets are everywhere, especially at the beach or funfair. While an occasional treat is fine, the frequency of sugar exposure is what really affects your teeth.
Here are a few quick tips:
- Avoid constant snacking throughout the day – try to stick to three meals and limit sugary snacks to after mealtimes.
- Drink plenty of water, especially after sugary or acidic drinks like fruit juice or squash.
- Choose sugar-free alternatives where possible.
- Chew sugar-free gum after eating if you can’t brush – it helps stimulate saliva and protect enamel.
The team at Inspired Dental Care in Exeter can provide diet advice during your oral health assessment, helping you make informed choices throughout the holidays.
- Book an Oral Health Assessment Before You Go Away
Summer is an ideal time to book an oral health assessment for your family, especially for school-aged children. With fewer scheduling conflicts and no school runs, it’s a great opportunity to make sure everyone’s teeth and gums are in good shape before term starts again.
An oral health assessment at Inspired Dental Care includes:
- A thorough examination of teeth and gums;
- Discussion of brushing techniques and routines;
- Advice on diet and fluoride use;
- Tailored recommendations for home care;
We also offer preventative treatments such as fissure sealants and fluoride varnish, which can give children’s teeth extra protection heading into the new school year.
- Protect Teeth During Summer Sports
Whether it’s football in the park, cricket in the garden, or trying out new sports at summer camp, active children (and adults) need to think about protecting their teeth.
We recommend wearing a custom-made mouthguard for contact sports to prevent injuries. Shop-bought versions are better than nothing, but they don’t offer the same level of protection as one made to fit by a dental professional.
If you or your child are getting involved in summer activities, speak to the team at Inspired Dental Care in Exeter about a professionally fitted mouthguard. It’s a small investment that can prevent major dental trauma.
- Stay Hydrated – and Choose Water First
Hydration is crucial during warm weather, but not all drinks are equal when it comes to your oral health. Fizzy drinks, energy drinks, and even fruit juices are often high in sugar and acid, both of which can wear away enamel and lead to decay.
Water is always the best choice. It’s sugar-free, calorie-free, and keeps your mouth clean between brushes. Encourage children to carry a reusable water bottle, especially during days out or sports camps.
At Inspired Dental Care in Exeter, we also advise rinsing with water after meals if brushing isn’t possible as it helps to reduce acid build-up and wash away food particles.
- Travel Smart – Don’t Forget Dental Essentials
When you’re packing for your summer holiday, it’s easy to forget dental basics. Here’s a quick checklist of what to take:
- Toothbrush and travel case;
- Fluoride toothpaste;
- Dental floss or interdental brushes;
- Sugar-free chewing gum;
- A small bottle of mouthwash (optional);
- A list of emergency dental contacts;
If you’re travelling abroad, check what dental care options are available locally in case of an emergency. And don’t forget to have your oral health assessment before you go, especially if you’re prone to sensitivity or have ongoing dental issues.
Should you lose a retainer, crown, or filling while away, call Inspired Dental Care as soon as possible. We’re happy to advise and can arrange an appointment on your return.
At Inspired Dental Care, we believe that high-quality dental care should be accessible, consistent, and tailored to your needs. That’s why our Practice Membership Plan is such a valuable option for patients – not just for routine care, but also for the added peace of mind it provides, especially when travelling abroad.
To get started, we would first need to see you for a new patient examination. This thorough assessment costs £120 and includes a number of standard X-rays. During this appointment, your dentist will carry out a full evaluation of your oral health and discuss any treatment needs with you.
After you’ve completed this initial appointment and are registered with us, we can discuss our Practice Membership Plan tiers. These plans allow you to spread the cost of routine dental care over manageable monthly payments, making it easier to stay on top of your oral health.
Each plan includes a set number of dental examinations and hygiene cleans per year, depending on your individual clinical needs. The appropriate tier is determined by your dentist based on your oral health, and we’ll advise you on which plan is most suitable following your initial examination.
In addition to covering routine care, our membership plan offers an exclusive 10% discount on essential dental treatments such as fillings (please note this does not apply to cosmetic procedures like whitening, implantology, facial aesthetics, or orthodontics).
One of the standout benefits of joining the plan is access to a 24/7 dental emergency helpline – even when you’re abroad. Dental problems can arise unexpectedly, and having expert advice just a phone call away offers tremendous reassurance when you’re away from home. Whether you’re on holiday or travelling for business, you can feel confident knowing help is available whenever you need it.
- Make Dental Habits Fun for Children
It’s about finding ways to make dental health easier. Let’s explore some fun and effective ways to help children build great oral care habits from an early age.
The summer holidays can be a great time to reinforce positive dental habits, especially for younger children. With more free time and less morning stress, it’s easier to make brushing and flossing fun.
Try these ideas:
- Use a two-minute brushing song or timer;
- Let them choose a toothbrush with a fun design;
- Set up a reward chart for consistent brushing;
- Read children’s books or watch videos about oral health;
At Inspired Dental Care in Exeter, we believe that developing these habits early makes a big difference in long-term dental health. Our team is always happy to share tips and suggestions during your child’s oral health assessment.
- Inspired Dental Care: Supporting You Through Summer and Beyond
We understand that summer is a busy and joyful time but your oral health doesn’t take a holiday. By sticking to a few key routines and making smart choices, you can enjoy all the fun the season has to offer without compromising your dental wellbeing.
At Inspired Dental Care, we’re here to support you and your family throughout the holidays and beyond. Whether you need advice, treatment, or simply reassurance, our friendly dental team in Exeter is ready to help.
To book your summer oral health assessment, contact Inspired Dental Care today. We look forward to helping you smile brighter this summer.
