The holidays are full of people… and food! You want everyone in the family to stay healthy and enjoy every special moment and celebration. So here are tips from your favorite dentists at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan.
Limit hard candy and chewy sweets. They stay longer in the mouth or stick to teeth.
And that means more cavity-causing acids. Marshmallows, candy canes, toffees and caramels all stay in the mouth for a long time. Plain chocolate is a less damaging option since it is cleared from the mouth relatively quickly.
Cookies and other pastries in moderation.
Make it a sit down snack or dessert to consume the baked goodies of the holidays. Don’t let your kids have one (or a whole plate) without keeping track of how many they’re eating. Aside from the unhealthy overload of sugar, the sugars also stick to teeth. It is less damaging to eat sweets at mealtimes because it decreases the frequency of sugar exposure to the teeth.
Offer healthy snacks instead.
Cheese, apples, carrots and celery are all healthier alternatives to sugary treats.
Swish with water and brush and floss.
Swishing with water after eating something sweet can help reduce the amount of sugar that stays in the mouth. Also, even with changing holiday routines, try to make sure that kids brush twice a day. Bedtime brushing is especially important so that the teeth are clean overnight. Flossing at least once a day is also important to clean in between the teeth where the brush can’t reach.
Book your winter dental visit.
Make sure to schedule two preventive visits per year to protect your child’s teeth over the holidays and when they get back to school in the new year. See us soon!
Happy holidays!
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.
