Christmas is one of the most exciting holidays for children. Their minds are a flurry with sparkling lights and decorations, Santa, making wish lists, and opening presents! It can be challenging any time of year to keep their teeth healthy. But we celebrate many holidays throughout the year, so it is essential to talk about how you can keep your children’s teeth healthy during these times.
1. Keep Them Hydrated.
Offer them plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps flush away food particles and reduce the acidity in their mouths. Water also prevents dehydration. You don’t want them to get dehydrated as this can affect their overall health and their dental health as well.
2. Go easy on the sugar.
We understand desserts are part of holiday feasts. But don’t keep sugary snacks on hand to be munched on all day long. Our October blog, Halloween Dental Tips, covered how sugar causes cavities. When their teeth are repeatedly exposed to sugar and other carbohydrates throughout the day, the risk for cavities increases dramatically.
Here are some links you might want to check out for some healthy holiday treats:
Mamables Holiday Snacks for Kids
Easy Mommy Life Healthy Christmas Treats for Kids
3. Keep them brushing!
Holidays can throw out schedules. When kids are out of school, you might let them stay up later and sleep in longer. But don’t let the change in routine throw you off. Make sure they brush at least three times daily and remember the flossing!
4. Schedule a Dental Checkup
Take advantage of the school holiday and schedule your child for a dental checkup. If they get a checkup now, their next checkup will likely be in the summer so that checkups won’t interfere with their school days. Remember, we are open Saturday evenings and weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to help parents with busy schedules. Please contact us to schedule your child’s next appointment.
5. Teach Your Kids How to Protect Their Teeth
You can help your kids protect their teeth by teaching them at a young age not to use their teeth as a tool. Many people use their teeth to open packages, crack nuts, bite off a string, etc. Tearing open a package or gripping string, tape, or a bottle cap can crack or break teeth or cause even more significant damage, like tooth loss. Cracking nuts with teeth can harm them. Teach them to come to you for help opening a package so you can help them by safely using scissors. And you can show them how to use nutcrackers for opening nuts.
Final Words
Our friendly dental team has been specially trained to work with children. We will assist you with any questions and provide the best service for you and your child.
Our best to you and your family this holiday season and may all your Christmas wishes come true!
Happy Holidays,
Dr. Bruce Howell
