Don’t Let Holiday Sweets Ruin Your Child’s Teeth

Holiday time is here with all the sweet treats you can imagine, and dentists all over have words of advice for parents during this season. But try as you might, keeping kids from diving into the vast array of sugary delights offered at this time of year is challenging. From candy canes to cookies, cakes dripping with delectable frosting and pies filled with sweetness, this is the time of year when people are most likely to ease up on the sugar restrictions they may follow the rest of the year.

Maintain the Oral Hygiene Routine

Your dentist in Minneapolis, MN, realizes this is easier said than done during this time of year when schedules can spiral out of control. Long holiday parties, visiting family and friends, travel and other festivities can make it difficult to follow well-established oral hygiene routines. However, help is available in the form of disposable toothbrushes. Your kids may even enjoy brushing with these miniature toothbrushes, some of which come with toothpaste.

While it may seem like overkill to be so fastidious about oral health during the holidays, the truth is that neglecting your child’s oral care now can create issues or make existing problems worse. The last thing you want is for your child to develop a major toothache during this festive season. 

Eating Certain Foods Can Help

Did you know that certain foods can help keep teeth cleaner? Crunchy foods such as carrots, apples and celery work to remove plaque from teeth. These foods, especially apples, are not a substitute for proper brushing and flossing, but in a pinch, they can help reduce plaque buildup until the teeth can be thoroughly brushed.

Hydration is Also Important

It may be winter, but hydration is still important in keeping your child’s smile bright and healthy. Winters can be very drying, and if your child should come down with a cold, breathing through the mouth can increase the number of harmful bacteria, which can lead to cavities. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will help considerably. Rinsing after a meal or snack when brushing is inconvenient will also go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth from problems.

Your dentist in Minneapolis, MN, at Crosstown Family Dental, is available to help with all your child’s dental requirements. Call us today to schedule an appointment.