How to keep children’s teeth healthy this holiday season

Children are more susceptible to cavities than adults. Even in children with healthy teeth, the enamel in their primary, or baby, teeth are not as hard or dense as that in adults.

Protect your children’s teeth during the holidays.

Holiday treats and foods that are not part of the child’s normal diet can increase the possibility of decay. A few simple steps can protect their teeth and eliminate future dental problems.

Limit sugar

Sugars and starchy food promote the growth of bacteria that cause decay. By limiting the amount of sugar, your child consumes the likelihood of tooth decay decreases. Even during the holidays, when candy and treats abound, you can reduce the effects of sugar on children’s teeth by:

• Allowing them only one dessert
• Preventing between meal and all-day snacking on candy

Maintain a Regular Dental Care Routine

Holiday activities and visits can upset daily dental care. Don’t allow the distractions of the season to cause your child to neglect their teeth. Plan a dental care routine during the season and maintain it. When travelling, make sure you have children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss available and ensure they use them.

Avoid Hard Treats

Teeth are not nutcrackers. Holiday treats that contain nuts, and hard candies can crack or damage teeth. Avoid these treats or prepare them for your children by removing the hazards. Keep in mind that an emergency visit to a dentist may be stressful during the holiday or while travelling.

Maintain a Child’s Overall Health

Physically healthy children tend to have better dental health as well. Make sure that during the holidays along with a limited intake of candy and treats, they receive plenty of healthy, nutritious foods.

Don’t Skip Dental Appointments

With the seasonal rush, it may be tempting to skip regular dental appointments. Children’s teeth require regular exams. Don’t allow holiday events to place their dental health at risk.

Protecting children’s teeth is essential to their future dental health. The bacteria that cause decay and cavities can actually damage adult teeth developing beneath the gum. Sound dental practices now, even during the holidays, will strengthen children’s teeth and promote healthy adult teeth.