Loading up on sweets is a quintessential part of Easter. However, as enjoyable as all the candies and treats are, they pose a risk to children with braces. While you don’t need to keep them away from candy entirely, it’s important to stick with best practices. Following the guidelines below will ensure their braces stay intact and that their teeth remain healthy.

Do:

Focus on other aspects of the holiday.

There is more to Easter than candy, so emphasize other facets of the holiday. Cook a delicious family dinner with braces-friendly foods like mashed potatoes, peas, and hearty soup. Let them invite friends over and play games outdoors or dye Easter eggs together. Taking your child’s mind off eating candy will make it seem like less of a big deal, and finding other activities to enjoy will ensure they don’t feel left out of the holiday.

Ensure they practice dental care.

Even if you’re out of town visiting relatives for Easter, make sure your child continues their dental care habits. Brushing and flossing are even more important with braces. Food is more likely to get stuck, fueling decay-causing bacteria and promoting other complications. Ensure they have all their tools before you leave home and remind them about brushing and flossing, especially after eating anything sweet.

Don’t:

Allow chewy candies.

Chewy candies pose the greatest risk to braces. They can easily pull brackets from the teeth and damage wiring. Replacing braces can be costly, so cut out any sticky sweets. Instead, offer soft cookies or cake, pure chocolate, and fluffy candy bars. Check carefully that there aren’t any nuts or hidden, hard ingredients that may cause damage.

Give them too much candy.

Sugary candy promotes tooth decay, so make sure the whole family eats in moderation, braces or not. Tooth decay can lead to cavities and gum disease, so ration out candy throughout the holiday and keep it in a central location.

Regular visits to the dentist are also crucial for keeping your child’s smile healthy, especially if they have braces. The team at iCare Dentistry is committed to providing first-rate dental care to families throughout Norcross, GA. In addition to pediatric and general dentistry services, they offer cosmetic procedures and on-site orthodontics. Whether your child needs a cavity filled or is facing an alignment issue, they’ll work hard to resolve any problems and keep their smile healthy. Call (770) 609-6106 to schedule an appointment and visit their website to explore the practice further.