With Easter just around the corner, it’s practically impossible to avoid candy. And as with just about anything, the key to keeping your family’s smiles healthy through holidays is to eat sweets in moderation. Here are 4 important tips from our experts on safeguarding your child’s teeth over the Easter holiday:
#1 – Stick to Softer, Meltable Candy
Chocolate is one of the candies that isn’t too hard on the teeth as it melts quickly and doesn’t stick to enamel for long periods of time. When you purchase Easter basket goodies, assorted chocolates are a safer treat to choose. On the other hand, do your best to avoid super-sticky sweets, as they tend to stick to teeth and hide in the deep grooves on the chewing surface of the teeth much longer. They can even pull off sealants, fillings and orthodontic appliances.
#2 – Let Your Child Eat Candy at Mealtime
…but after the meal, of course! Reducing exposure time to dental unfriendly food can help lower the risk of tooth decay. So instead of snacking on Easter sweets in the middle of the afternoon, use them as an incentive for your little one to clean their plate at lunch or dinner. Salivary flow will be heightened and this helps neutralize the mouth pH (acid content) which will make sweet foods less risky.
#3 – Don’t Brush Right Away
This one might sound counterintuitive, but it’s best to not brush immediately after eating candy or acidic foods. The issue is, acidic foods in general and the acid that is made as the byproduct of sugar eating bacteria in the mouth can actually soften the top layer of enamel. Many toothpastes today contain abrasive particles that help dislodge plaque and “whiten” by debriding the enamel. The combination of these particles and the softened enamel can actually lead to microscopic amounts of enamel loss. Over time, that can add up! Instead, encourage your child to rinse well with tap water and then brush their teeth about 30 minutes later.
#4 – Drink Plenty of Water
Tap water contains regulated fluoride levels. It also safely neutralizes acids and rinses away sugars each time you drink. So, get your child a fun, reusable water bottle and keep them hydrated all day long. It’s good for their smile!
If your child complains of a toothache after eating one of their Easter treats, be sure to call Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan. Sweet sensitivity can be an indicator for tooth decay and that needs to be addressed early to prevent bigger problems down the road!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. We have the ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs as we have treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
