It’s almost impossible to avoid candy with Easter right around the corner. As with all holidays, it’s important to limit our children’s intake of sweet treats to help keep their smile healthy. We are also practical and recognize that they will be eating a lot of these treats, probably in higher quantities and more frequently than normal due to the holiday. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to protect your child’s smile during the Easter holiday.

Choose Soft, Meltable Candy (instead of things that are sticky)

Chocolate is much better than caramel or sticky treats. Because it melts quickly, chocolate isn’t as hard on teeth. On the other hand, sticky sweets will cling to your child’s enamel for hours afterward. Sticky sweets can also pull off sealants or loosen crowns and fillings. Let’s not even talk about how these items break orthodontic appliances. When possible, get a meltable soft candy as opposed to something that they’ll be sucking on for longer periods of time.

Drink Tap Water After Eating Candy (or at least use it to rinse out your mouth)

Tap water contains fluoride and neutralizes sugars and acids in our mouth. It’s good to keep in mind that most bottled waters do not contain fluoride. Water also a natural cleanser. So if your child is snacking on Easter candy in the middle of the afternoon, go have them rinse their mouth with water right after. This is actually preferable to brushing immediately after as any sugars and acids on the enamel surface can soften the enamel. Brushing immediately after acid exposure can erode the enamel surface more quickly. This is especially true with modern toothpastes that are loaded with “whitening” abrasives.

Wondering when you should brush? Generally speaking it is a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes after eating meals or Easter candy before brushing your child’s teeth. By then, the sugars and acids will be dissolved and reduced in concentration.

Stay Up to Date With Preventative Care

Regular checkups, professional fluoride treatments, and pediatric dental sealants can reduce your child’s risk of getting cavities from Easter candy and throughout the year. Call Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan today if your child is due for their six month dental exam and cleaning!