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Too much candy and not enough dental care during the holidays can lead to cavities in the New Year, but there are other foods your kids' dentist wants you to watch out for. Limit your kids' intake of these foods and follow up with thorough dental hygiene to keep their smiles bright.

3 Unhealthy Holiday Foods for Your Kids’ Teeth

1. Hard Foods

When kids try to open nutshells with their teeth, they might sustain chips or even severe cracks. Opt for pre-shelled versions or supervise your kids so they aren’t tempted to put the shells in their mouths. Bones and hard candy can also damage teeth, so discourage your kids from chewing on either.

2. Starchy Foods

Starches quickly break down into sugars that fuel oral bacteria. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and rolls are the kinds most frequently seen at holiday dinners. After eating these foods, encourage your kids to drink water to rinse away any lingering sugar.

3. Sticky Foods

DentistIf you're looking for a healthy alternative to candy, dried fruit might seem like a good choice, but it has hidden dangers. It still contains lots of sugar and clings to teeth. Candies like caramel and taffy create similar problems.

Choose a healthier snack like sliced veggies; not only do they contain less sugar, but crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots also clean the teeth as they’re chewed.

 

If your kids need a dentist appointment before the holidays, contact Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI. Serving the island of Oahu for over 50 years, their friendly, gentle pediatric dentists offer personalized care to keep kids comfortable during every visit. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 593-8828, or learn more about the doctors at this practice online. You can also find more dental care tips for your kids on their Facebook.

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