When kids head full-tilt into summer vacation, regular eating and oral hygiene patterns can fly out the window. When your child is on the run, keep in mind the following tips:

• Limit Snacks. Many foods contain sugars and starches which the bacteria in plaque use to produce acids. Each time these foods are eaten, acids can attack the teeth, eventually leading to tooth decay. Limiting the number of snacks limits these acid attacks.
• Choose foods from the five food groups for a balanced diet. If you need a snack between meals, choose nutritious foods, like a piece of fruit, some raw vegetables or cheese.
• Watch over young children to ensure that they brush and floss properly. Check that they brush twice a day, using a peasize amount of flouride toothpaste. Daily flossing is also necessary. By about age eight, your child should be able to floss his or her own teeth, under your guidance.