The sun is shining, the ice cream sticks to little fingers, and somewhere between the outdoor pool, family outing, and campfire, all routines suddenly disappear. Welcome to the summer holidays. For children, this time is a constant adventure full of freedom, treats, and spontaneous moments. Parents often face a completely different question: How do they keep up with dental care when everyday life takes a break?
Fortunately, it doesn't take much to make brushing teeth relaxed and child-friendly, even during the holiday season . With loving rituals, a little lightness, and the right toothbrush, brushing becomes an integral part of the day. When children realize that clean teeth are also part of summer , a healthy smile will automatically develop, ready to accompany them on every adventure.
In this article we explain how you can playfully take care of your dental health, which tips really work in everyday life and why the emmi-dent Slim is an ideal companion for little cleaning heroes, whether at home or on the go.
Summer holiday traps for children's teeth
The holidays are full of enjoyment, spontaneity, and little adventures. But summer brings with it some hidden challenges, especially for children's teeth. If you know what they are, you can counteract them with ease without spoiling the fun.
Ice cream & cold drinks
For many children, ice creams, slushies, or soda with a straw are simply a part of summer. But what seems refreshing can be unpleasant for sensitive teeth. Especially with exposed tooth necks or tooth enamel that is not yet fully developed, the cold penetrates deep into the tooth. This can lead to hypersensitivity or aggravate minor weaknesses that may have previously gone unnoticed.
Sweet snacks & hidden sugar
Chewy candies, fruit gums, and muesli bars are practical travel companions, but unfortunately, they're often full-on sugar bombs. Even seemingly healthy alternatives like smoothies, fruit slices, or dried fruit stick to teeth for a long time, and their sticky consistency promotes the formation of acids. These attack tooth enamel and provide the perfect breeding ground for caries bacteria.
Routine kinks: When brushing your teeth falls by the wayside
Whether after a long day at the pool or an exciting outing, sometimes children are simply too tired in the evening. Or too busy in the morning to remember to brush their teeth. Especially on vacation, it's easy for their dental care routine to slip. But regular care is especially crucial for children, because the enamel on baby teeth is significantly softer and more vulnerable than that of adults.
If you know the little everyday pitfalls, you can, with a little mindfulness, ensure that cleaning mistakes or lapses don't creep in in the first place.
Dental care basics during the holiday season
Even if your normal routine is on hold, the same rule applies to your teeth as always: Brush thoroughly twice a day, for example with our emmi-dent Slim ultrasonic toothbrush . In the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bed. Especially during the holidays, it's important to lovingly maintain these little rituals. Children from around six years of age can brush independently, but should still be supervised or checked regularly. A quick glance is often enough to ensure no spot has been overlooked.
The choice of toothpaste deserves special attention: Fluoride is essential for children's teeth. It strengthens tooth enamel, makes it more resistant to acids, and effectively protects against cavities. This is especially true during phases when sweets are temptingly often on the menu. Flossing can also be introduced gently. With a playful approach, such as a tooth fairy ritual or scented children's products, it becomes a new experience rather than a chore.
Why children's teeth need special protection
Baby teeth appear strong, but they are more sensitive than many people think. The protective enamel layer is significantly thinner than that of permanent teeth and is therefore more susceptible to acid attack and cavities. At the same time, they fulfill an important function: They serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth. If they are lost too early or become damaged, this can have long-term effects on the position of the teeth and the development of the jaw.
Protecting children's teeth lays the foundation for lifelong dental health, even during the most wonderful time of the year. With a little patience, loving support, and the right toothbrush, dental care becomes second nature, even during the holidays.
Playful motivation on vacation
Brushing your teeth doesn't have to be boring. Especially on vacation, when the daily routine is more relaxed and the sense of adventure is greater, dental care can be wonderfully combined with small rituals. Children love stories, games, and rewards , and that's the key: Make brushing your teeth an experience, without any pressure, but with plenty of imagination.
A few lovely ideas that can easily be incorporated into your everyday holiday routine:
- Toothbrush Bingo – Brushed your teeth every day? Check the box. Those who complete the week will receive a little surprise.
- Sticker trophies – brush your teeth for five days straight? Then you'll get a new favorite sticker for your toothbrush case or travel journal.
- Toothbrush stories – let the toothbrush itself tell you what it experienced in the evening. Maybe it fought sugar monsters or found a glittering tooth crystal.
- Apps with music and timers – two minutes fly by when colorful characters dance or a story is read aloud.
With a little creativity, dental care during the holidays becomes not just a routine, but a valuable bonding moment between you and your child . And along the way, they'll learn that self-care can be fun and truly important.
Well equipped on the go - dental care in holiday mode
Whether it's a vacation home, campsite, or hotel room, if you're well-prepared, you won't have to worry about dental care even when you're away. A well-thought-out travel kit for your child will turn this daily routine into a familiar companion, even if the rest of the day looks completely different than at home.
What belongs in the travel set:
- An emmi-dent ultrasonic toothbrush with protective cap or in a sturdy case
- A fluoride toothpaste , tailored to the child's age
- Dental floss or small interdental brushes , depending on your habits
- A replacement toothbrush head – better safe than sorry
- An alcohol-free mouthwash , mild and child-friendly
Our emmi-dent Slim is an ideal travel companion, especially for children. It cleans with gentle ultrasound without pressure, scrubbing, or complicated hand movements. This makes it particularly comfortable for sensitive children's teeth or for small hands that aren't yet very experienced at brushing.
Thanks to its lightweight, compact design, and quiet operation, it fits easily into any toiletry bag. Whether camping, at the cabin, or visiting grandma and grandpa, our emmi-dent Slim ensures a clean, well-groomed feeling and a smile that stays healthy even on vacation.
Nutritional hacks for strong children's teeth
Summertime is snacking time, and it should stay that way. The key isn't to completely abstain, but rather to be conscious of how and when . With a few clever tricks, tooth-damaging habits can easily be transformed into tooth-friendly indulgences.
Dental health ideas that children will enjoy
- Raw food snacks such as carrots, cucumbers or pepper strips are not only colourful and crunchy, but their bite also acts like little natural tooth cleaners.
- Cheese cubes are perfect snacks: they neutralize acids in the mouth and at the same time provide the teeth with valuable calcium.
- Water instead of juice – it washes away sugar residue, dilutes acids and is the best choice on hot days.
Extra tip for little ice cream lovers:
Conjure up tooth-friendly ice cream without any processed sugar. Simply blend natural yogurt with berries and a little xylitol, pour into molds, and freeze. The result: creamy, refreshing, and guilt-free.
With these little everyday hacks, summer stays enjoyable and dental health stays on track. They're child-friendly, with no restrictions, but with plenty of smart alternatives.