How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it family fun, delicious meals, festive decorations, and an abundance of cheer. However, it also brings an excess of sugar! Unfortunately, oral bacteria love snacking on sweets and carbohydrates. This leads to the release of acids that attack the tooth enamel, ultimately causing cavities. Hence, the holidays become the sugar bugs' favorite time of year.

We never expect our patients to give up their favorite seasonal treats. However, there are several things parents can do to ensure children's dental health during the holiday season.

Prioritize Brushing and Flossing

Making sure that kids brush for two minutes, both in the morning and before bed, and floss once daily is the key to maintaining your children's oral health during the holidays. Use an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste (a smear for children under three years old, and a pea-sized amount for kids aged three to six). It's important to assist with brushing until around the age of six, and then continue supervising to ensure they are brushing effectively.

Moderation is Key

We understand that cutting back on holiday treats can be tough and you might worry about being a spoil-sport, but your child's smile will thank you! It's not about completely banning sugary treats, but moderation is crucial and it makes the occasional sweet even more special. The simplest way to achieve this is by creating a healthy environment at home. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean protein. When your kids are at home, focus on serving well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks, and save indulgences for when you're out or celebrating. If you know there will be events with plenty of treats, try to reduce junk food intake before and after to maintain a better balance.

Drink lots of Water

Ensure your children's dental health during the holidays by prioritizing water consumption. Water aids in saliva flow, neutralizes plaque acids, and effectively removes bacteria and food residue. While occasional festive drinks are acceptable, encourage water as their primary beverage. Additionally, adequate hydration will be an added benefit for your little ones.

Make Sure to Keep Up With Visits to Your Pediatric Dentist

During the holiday season, it's easy for dental appointments to be forgotten or postponed. However, it's crucial to stay on top of checkups and cleanings for your kids' dental health. These visits are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing problems. At our office, we not only assess your child's dental development but also remove hardened plaque that can't be cleaned properly at home. We thoroughly evaluate their teeth and gums, and if any issues are detected, we treat them in the early stages when intervention is less invasive. If you anticipate a busy holiday schedule, we recommend planning ahead and scheduling a checkup before the season starts or right after it ends.

To ensure children's dental health during the holiday season, it's important for them to brush and floss regularly, mindful of sugar consumption, and attend regular cleanings and checkups. With a little extra care, their smile will survive the festivities. Book a visit at Wasatch Pediatric Dentistry for a bright grin and a friendly pediatric dentist to kickstart 2024!