The holiday season is a joyful and busy time of the year, but making sure you and your child’s teeth stay healthy should remain a priority. After all, a toothache or expensive dental repairs wouldn’t be a great way to start the new year. To keep your smile merry and bright, here are a few simple dental care tips to keep in mind as you celebrate this special season.

5 Dental Care Tips for the Holidays

1. Maintain a Dental Hygiene Routine

Between holiday parties and traveling, it might seem like your family’s schedule has been completely upended. However, you should continue to reinforce your tooth brushing and flossing routine. Brushing teeth twice a day and again after sugar-heavy snacks are essential to prevent cavities. Travel-size toothbrushes make it easy to keep up with dental care while on the road. 

2. Choose Healthy Foods at Holiday Gatherings

Pies, candy, and plates of cookies are frequent during this time of the year and are extremely tempting, so be careful not to overdo it. It’s OK to have sweets occasionally, but a healthy diet should still be a focus this season. At holiday parties, steer your child toward cheese, veggies, and fruits and let sugar be a rare treat.

3. Stocking Stuffers Don’t Have to Be Sweet

Consider forgoing the candy this year and getting more creative with your stocking stuffers. Small toys, playing cards, and books are fun alternatives to the sweet stuff. Create a new tradition by placing a new toothbrush in every family member’s stocking.

4. Don’t Let Your Child Treat Their Teeth as a Tool

In the excitement of unwrapping gifts, kids often use their teeth to tear off ribbons or open plastic packaging. Prevent this tooth-damaging practice by having a pair of scissors nearby. Likewise, teeth might be strong, but never use them to crack open nuts; that’s what the festive nutcrackers are for.

5. Keep Your Child’s Dentist Appointments

Your busy schedule might tempt you to cancel dental exams or teeth cleanings this time of the year. However, by keeping your appointments, your child’s oral health will be in the front of your mind, and you’ll be more likely to reinforce good hygiene.
 

Maintaining your child’s oral health throughout the holidays will ensure a great start to the new year. Keep up with your dental care regimen, choose healthy foods, and make an appointment for an exam with Pediatric Dental Group on Kauai, HI, today. Providing pediatric dentistry services since 1966, this trusted member of the community is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to all children. To schedule your appointment, call the Honolulu office at (808) 593-8828 or the Lihue location at (808) 245-2131. You can also visit them online to learn more about their comprehensive services.