For kids, holidays mean more time to munch on candies, cookies, and sugary treats. If given the chance, they will be happy to eat these treats all day long. However, the holiday feasting can also impact children’s oral health.
Bacteria in the mouth also love to snack on those sugary treats, and when they do, they target the tooth’s enamel and release acids. This entire process results in cavities.
As per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), parents must brush their kid’s teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Also, they need to visit a kids’ dentist near them at regular intervals to ensure that their littles ones have good oral hygiene.
However, there are many other ways to take care of your child’s dental health.
Brushing and Flossing
It should be parents’ top priority to make sure that their children brush their teeth at least twice daily – once in the morning and once before going to bed.
Also, parents should ensure that their kids floss once everyday.
Parents should use a fluoride toothpaste. In addition, they need to supervise their children when they are brushing their teeth.
In the case of older school-aged children, you can get them a good cavity-fighting mouthwash.
Allow Treats In Moderation
It may be challenging for parents to stop their kids from eating sugary treats during holidays, but they must ensure that kids have those treats in a moderate amount. Rather than banning all sugar, parents should focus on limiting treats during the holidays.
Apart from that, an easy way to limit your kids’ intake of sugary foods is to add fresh fruits to their daily diet. You can focus on creating well-balanced and nutritious meals for your children.
Avoid Grazing
Slowly munching on cookies and sweets may sound good to prohibit children from overeating, but it isn’t healthy for your children’s oral health. Acids in those foods do damage to the teeth.
Instead of grazing all day, let your kids eat candies and sugary beverages in one sitting. In addition, if your children are having acidic foods, balance them with a healthy meal.
Visit A Pediatric Dental Clinic
Apart from taking care of your children’s oral health, it is essential to schedule a visit to a pediatric dental clinic during or after the holidays.
Pediatric dental specialists specialize in dental care services for children. They use child-friendly language and practices to ensure that kids are comfortable during their dental appointments. Also, they use their behaviour management skills to make children feel at ease.
When finding an affordable pediatric dentist, look for a clinic that focuses on kids’ well-being and relaxation during the visit.
Holidays may be a challenging time to focus on children’ oral health, but regular care can lead to a healthy smile. Follow the right oral practices and visit a pediatric dentist to keep your children’s health in check.
