For the average kid, holidays are accompanied by heaps of treats and candies. However, the stark reality is that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America. Therefore, it is essential to know some dental health tips and to encourage your children to follow a daily dental hygiene regime from a young age.
Here are some simple holiday dental health tips for kids to combat the effects of sugar on their teeth:
- Save treats like pies, cookies and candy for after mealtime because this is the time when the most saliva is produced in the mouth. It will help protect your child’s teeth.
- Hard candy gets stuck between children’s teeth, which can lead to cavities. Flossing will help remove the particles. To make flossing fun, use a product that’s adorned with your kid’s favorite character.
- Dairy products act as a buffer to acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay. As such, serve cheese or milk with holiday treats and candies.
- Pace the amount of candy your kid is eating during the holidays by storing excess treats in a sealed container. Establish specific times when the child can have a treat, and stick to these times!
In addition to the above holiday dental health tips, encourage kids to drink lots of water to prevent tooth decay. If it’s bottled water, check the fluoride content on the label. The American Dental Association says fluoridated water can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in children’s teeth.
For more dental health tips in Lakeland FL, visit us at Northside Family Dental. Our friendly and caring staff are dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Give us a call today.