In addition to joy and mirth, the holiday season tends to bring with it an overabundance of sweet and sugary treats. Indulging in too much sugar is harmful to your teeth, especially for children, leading to cavities or tooth decay. To help your kids avoid too much sugar this holiday, Discovery Dental in Eagle River, AK, offers some expert tips. These dentists exclusively treat children, from toddlers to teens, with general dentistry services, including early cavity detection and fluoride treatments.

Below are four tips on how to limit sugar intake this holiday season:

• Moderation: There are plenty of sweet temptations everywhere during the holidays, and it might not be easy to avoid desserts completely. The key is to enjoy them in moderation. Designate one time each day to indulge in a sweet treat, then limit your sugar intake for the rest of the day. 

• Choose Fruits: If you’re craving something sweet, but you’ve already consumed a piece of pie, try fresh fruit. Instead of reaching for your grandmother’s peanut brittle, dentists recommend eating an apple, peach, or banana. These fruits still have sugar, but they are a healthier alternative to desserts.

• Substitution: If you’re planning on baking sweet goods to put on the table this holiday season, apply the art of substitution. Reduce the sugar in your recipe by one-third to one-half and use vanilla or almond extracts as a substitute. In doing so, you’ll also help others cut back on their sugar intake.

• Drink Smart: Water is always the best choice when drinking beverages. You might not realize how much sugar you’re consuming just by drinking a can of soda or a cup of hot chocolate. If you want something other than water, opt for a diet soda instead. And when drinking dark beverages, use a straw to protect your teeth.

Discovery Dental aims to preserve and improve your children’s smiles. They offer quality dental care for kids and help them feel positive about visiting the dentist. Call their dental office in Eagle River at (907) 622-5437 or visit the website to learn more about their services.