Summer brings all sorts of fun and while we want our kids to make the most of every sun-drenched day, the warm months also bring unique risks to two important (and often overlooked) areas: their teeth and their eyes. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what every parent should know before sending their child out for some well-deserved outdoor fun.
If your child is playing any physical sport this summer such as, soccer, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, cycling, or even just rough-and-tumble playground play, a mouth guard is one of the best investments you can make. Kids' teeth and jaws are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to injury from fast-moving balls, falls, or collisions. A well-fitted mouth guard acts as a shock absorber, reducing the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth and protecting the lips, tongue, face, and jaw. Custom-fitted guards from a pediatric dentist offer the best protection and comfort, but even a standard boil-and-bite option is far better than nothing.
Don't forget: Mouth guards aren't just for contact sports. Falls in gymnastics or biking can easily result in dental injuries, so consider one for any high-speed or high-impact activity.
We slather sunscreen on arms, legs, and noses without a second thought, but the lips are easy to forget. The skin on the lips is thin and especially vulnerable to UV damage and sunburn, which can be painful and, over time, increase the risk of long-term skin issues. Look for an SPF 30 or higher lip balm and apply it frequently throughout the day, especially after swimming, eating, or wiping your child's face. Making it part of the sunscreen routine means it won't get skipped.
Playground injuries send thousands of children to the dentist every year, and the numbers are rising. While you don't need to wrap your kids in bubble wrap, a few smart habits can dramatically reduce the risk:
Supervise young children during outdoor play to ensure they aren't taking unsafe risks.
Check equipment for sharp edges, loose parts, or age-inappropriate structures before letting kids climb.
Teach playground safety rules — no pushing, no roughhousing near the equipment's edges, and feet-first on slides.
Choose tooth-friendly snacks for time at the park. Chewy candy and sticky treats can dislodge baby teeth or damage dental work.
Pools are a summer staple, but chlorine and pH imbalances can actually affect your child's oral health. Highly chlorinated water or pools with low pH levels can contribute to enamel erosion and brown staining (sometimes called "swimmer's calculus"). Encourage your child to rinse their mouth with fresh water after swimming sessions, and keep up with their brushing routine even on busy summer days.
Speaking of routines, summer's laid-back schedule can make it easy to skip brushing. Don't let it slide. Kids (and adults) should brush with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, twice a day, every day. Good dental habits should never take a vacation.
Summertime means lemonade, sports drinks, and plenty of sweet treats. While the occasional indulgence is fine, sugary and acidic drinks are a major driver of cavities and enamel erosion. Water is always the best choice, it rinses away food particles, keeps the mouth hydrated, and doesn't damage enamel. Encourage kids to rinse with water after sweet treats if brushing isn't immediately possible.
Summer is actually the ideal time for a dental visit. It beats the back-to-school rush, allows time to address any cavities or orthodontic concerns, and ensures your child heads into the new school year with a healthy smile. A dental team can also custom-fit a mouth guard and check for any weak spots in enamel before sports season heats up.
Children's eyes are particularly vulnerable to UV damage, and the effects are cumulative. Too much UV exposure during childhood can raise the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. Yet sunglasses are one of the most commonly skipped pieces of protective gear for kids.
Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Frames labeled "UV400" offer the best protection. Wraparound styles are especially great for kids because they block light from the sides as well. And remember: UV rays can penetrate cloud cover and reflect off water, sand, and concrete — so sunny days aren't the only days that count. Make wearing sunglasses a daily outdoor habit, rain or shine.
Sunglasses are great, but they don't block all angles of sunlight. A wide-brimmed hat adds an important extra layer of protection, shielding the eyes from overhead glare and reducing overall UV exposure to the face. It's also a practical (and stylish) way to keep kids comfortable on especially bright days.
Chlorinated pool water can irritate the eyes and temporarily blur vision, while natural water sources like lakes and rivers may contain microorganisms that cause infections. A properly fitted pair of swim goggles protects kids' eyes from irritants, reduces redness and dryness, and helps guard against waterborne bacteria. After swimming, encourage your child to rinse their eyes with clean, fresh water to flush out any remaining irritants.
Outdoor sports pose a real risk of eye injuries from flying objects, errant balls, sticks, or rough play. For sports like baseball, lacrosse, racquet sports, or basketball, consider sport-specific protective eyewear. Standard sunglasses aren't designed to withstand impact. Look for polycarbonate lenses, which are significantly more resistant to breakage.
Summer allergy season can make eyes itchy, watery, and uncomfortable. Keep an eye on pollen forecasts and limit outdoor activities on especially high-count days when possible. Over-the-counter children's allergy eye drops can provide relief, but check with your pediatrician or eye care provider for personalized recommendations. One important reminder: teach kids not to rub their eyes, as this can worsen irritation and potentially lead to further complications.
Good eye health isn't just about protection, it's also about nutrition. Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin (found in leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as eggs and corn) act as natural filters for the eyes and help protect the retina. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseed are also beneficial for overall eye health. A balanced, colorful diet supports healthy vision from the inside out.
Summer is a great time to squeeze in an annual eye exam before the school year starts. Children's eyes are rapidly developing, and vision issues that go undetected can affect learning, reading, and coordination. If your child squints frequently, rubs their eyes often, or complains of headaches, it may be worth scheduling a checkup sooner rather than later.
Before your child heads out the door this summer, run through this quick checklist:
For their smile:
For their eyes:
Summer is the season for memories, adventures, and big smiles. With a few simple precautions, you can make sure your child's teeth and eyes stay as healthy as their summer days are long.