3 Ways To Protect Your Child's Teeth During The Easter Holiday

For kids, Easter is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. The holiday is a chance to fill up on numerous candies and other sweet treats. Unfortunately, those treats can be damaging to your child's teeth and gums. Here are some tips to ensure that your child's dental health stays on track throughout the holiday season.

Choose Treats Wisely

Although sweet treats, such as caramels and marshmallows, are good to eat, they can be harmful to your child's teeth. Sticky and chewy treats tend to stick to the teeth and are difficult to properly clean. As a result, the sugar has more time to weaken your child's enamel, which could mean a higher chance of cavities.

You also have to be careful of candies with high acidic levels, such as sour candies. The acid eats away at the enamel on the teeth.

A better alternative to those types of sweets is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has been shown to have properties that can actually be good for teeth when eaten in moderation.

Homemade baked treats that are made with coconut sugar are also a good alternative. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, which is better for your child's teeth.

Drink Water After Snacking

During the holiday season, it is important that you take the time to ensure your child is drinking water each time he or she consumes a sweet treat. The water helps to wash away some of the sugar and bacteria that is left behind by the sweets.  

If you are giving your child bottled water, check the fluoride levels. If the fluoride levels are less than the dentist's recommended levels, consider getting fluoridated water.

Limit Snacking Time

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your child's teeth during the holiday season is to limit the amount of time he or she is allowed to snack on treats. The longer your child eats, the more exposure his or her teeth get to harmful sugars and bacteria.

A good way to allow your child a chance to snack and protect his or her teeth is to let him have the treat with a meal. After enjoying the treat, have your child rinse his or her mouth to help wash away sugar and bacteria.

Taking care of your child's teeth during the holiday season does not mean he or she has to be completely cut off from sweets. With a little guidance, your child can enjoy treats without endangering his or her dental health.