The holiday season brings sugary snacks, packed schedules, and, for kids, lengthy breaks from school. Put it all together, and it can be tough to keep your young ones’ smiles healthy.
Fortunately, however, with a bit of planning and effort, parents can help kids enjoy the season without increasing their risk of cavities. How to protect growing teeth while still letting them indulge in the fun? Read on!
Smart Choices for Seasonal Sweets
When consumed mindfully, holiday treats don’t have to derail oral health. Encourage kids to enjoy sweets during mealtimes rather than grazing throughout the day. This limits how long sugars stay on enamel and gives saliva a chance to rebalance the mouth. And, believe it or not, encouraging your kids to reach for chocolate when they want a sweet treat can also help!
Sticky candies (caramels, taffy, gummies) cling to enamel, while hard candies keep sugar in the mouth for several minutes. Chocolate, on the other hand, melts quickly and rinses away more easily, making it the least harmful option.
Finally, where possible, pair sweets with water to help rinse away excess sugar. And if brushing isn’t feasible right away, have kids chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
Routines That Stay Strong During School Breaks
With less structure during winter break, brushing and flossing habits can slip. Make sure to keep your kids on a simple two-times-a-day brushing (and, ideally, flossing) routine. Where possible, make it fun by using holiday-themed timers, stickers, or small rewards to reinforce consistency.
If your family is traveling, pack a dedicated travel case with a child-sized toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss picks. After long car rides or flights, encourage a quick brush, or at least a water rinse or mouthwash rinse, to remove snack residue and freshen breath.
When to Call Your Pediatric Dentist
If your child notices tooth sensitivity, sore gums, or a chipped tooth from biting hard candies, a prompt visit can prevent minor issues from worsening. The holiday break is also a great time to schedule overdue cleanings or checkups before school routines resume.
Gentle, Kid-Friendly Holiday Dental Care in Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re in Scottsdale and want to learn more about protecting your child’s teeth during holiday treats and school breaks, contact Dr. Guymon and the caring, skilled Tatum Pediatric Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.