While the holidays are the perfect time for your child to indulge in their favorite sweet and savory dishes, you still need to keep their oral health in mind. But practicing proper dental care doesn’t mean they have to miss out on all their favorites. Here are four easy tips to keep your child’s pearly whites bright this holiday season.

4 Ways to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy Over the Holidays

1. Make Smart Food Selections

The holidays are filled with a variety of tempting treats, some that are good for teeth and others your child should pass on. Encourage your child to eat crispy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, that help clean teeth as they crunch away. Additionally, lean meats like turkey provide phosphorus, which helps build up tooth enamel. 

2. Avoid Sticky Sweets

Your child may crave that candy cane or pecan pie, but try to steer them away from these hard and chewy sweets. Not only is their sugar bad for your child’s oral health, but these treats can also fracture teeth or get stuck in between. If your child does enjoy something sweet, remind them to practice proper dental care by brushing and flossing when they finish.

3. Minimize Snacking Habits

During the holidays, adults and children alike have a tendency to snack away. However, eating multiple times a day lets food particles sit longer between teeth, which can accelerate decay. Try to limit the amount of snacking time and leave it for after meals when kids are full, so they won’t be tempted to eat as much.

4. Schedule Dental Care Appointments

The holidays are the perfect time to schedule your child’s next dental checkup. They usually have time off school so you can visit the dentist without having to rush. Your child will enjoy a thorough cleaning and detailed examination of their oral health for a worry-free winter break.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist to evaluate your child’s oral health after they’ve indulged in too many holiday sweets, trust the professionals at Pedodontic Associates on Oahu and Maui, HI. With three convenient locations and more than 25 years of experience, these professionals provide dental care to children of all ages in a compassionate and welcoming environment. To learn more about how they can improve the health of your child’s smile, visit them online or call (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.