Tips for Healthy Teeth This Holiday Season
It’s that time of the year which means an influx of delicious cookies, candy, and homemade family recipes. Being surrounded by everything can be tempting and kids may find it impossible to resist shoving each type of sugary food into their mouths. For this reason, our Grandville, MI, pediatric dentists are here to help you make it through these indulgent months.
Here are a few ways you can keep this holiday season fun, cheerful, and cavity-free!
1) Go Easy on Snacks and Treats
During celebrations and holiday parties, sweets of all kinds are everywhere. It’s okay for your little one to taste a few while there but remember to return to normal when home. That means healthy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and more throughout the rest of the week. Diversifying your child’s diet with nutritious foods will not only fuel their growing bodies but help their teeth as well.
Great snacks to munch on during the winter season include:
- Yogurt
- Nuts
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Cheese or other low-fat dairy products
- Carrot sticks with hummus
- Whole grain crackers
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
Keep in mind that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying treats in moderation. It is important to relax and have a good time. What our local pediatric dentists want you to understand, however, is how diet affects oral health. Too much of a good thing paired with lacking preventive dental care can result in unwanted consequences for a developing smile. With that said, don’t all have to be doom and gloom to achieve perfection. Have fun and unwind, but be mindful!
2) Keep Hydrated During the Festivities
Visiting relatives and opening presents can be overstimulating for younger kids and rightfully tire them out. Be sure to reach for the water throughout the holiday fun and not rely on sugary sodas, juices, or sports drinks. Most public drinking water even has fluoride in it to keep your kids’ teeth strong, healthy, and free from decay.
Take cavity prevention a step further before events kick off and bring your little ones in for a professional fluoride treatment or dental sealant application. Both are designed to equip teeth with what they need to stand strong against incoming decadent foods or cozy beverages. Staying on schedule with your child’s visits and seeing a pediatric dentist on our team provides the perfect opportunity to ask questions about these very options.
3) Don’t Forget Oral Hygiene Routines
Consuming sugar throughout the day can take a toll on tooth enamel. When the bacteria in the mouth break down sugar, acid is released. This acid can weaken enamel and result in tooth decay and cavities.
The last thing you want during the holidays is a trip to our Grandville, MI, pediatric dental office for a filling or crown. So, it’s important to limit how much your family enjoys sweet treats and always clean teeth afterward. Now is not the time to relax on . Your child should still be brushing their teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily.
Want additional protection? Like we mentioned above, ask our board-certified pediatric dentists about dental sealantsor similar preventive methods today!
4) Incorporate Creative Stocking Stuffers
Who said only candy had to be put in stockings? There are plenty of other items you can give children that won’t negatively affect their teeth. Try gifting puzzles, board games, books, craft supplies, small toys, and more. Your child will love playing with their gifts and won’t be so hyped up on sugar!
5) Pack Well When Traveling
If you’re leaving home for an extended period to go visit friends and family, it’s important to pack what you and your child(ren) need in the oral health department. That means travel toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and a mouthwash if desired. Try to pick toothbrush holders that have proper ventilation to avoid bacterial growth and if possible, wait for the toothbrush to dry completely before putting it away in a case.
Tips When Stocking Up → Picking the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Does your child have a retainer or night guard? Be sure to bring all oral appliances along as well.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Don’t let oral health fall by the wayside this holiday season. Sure, it’s a time to reflect on the year and have fun with those you love, but no one wants a new filling as a present. Aside from providing regular teeth cleanings, our pediatric dentists in Grandville, MI, are here to give advice on navigating the season of sweets. Call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry today at (616) 531-3430 or request an appointment online.
This blog post has been updated.