From practicing family traditions to exchanging gifts, the holidays are a sweet time of year for both kids and adults. But some seasonal elements—especially those that involve sugary treats—may be too sweet for your child’s smile. Rather than having your little one face a higher risk of cavities, use these preventative dentistry strategies to help them protect their teeth and still enjoy their favorite festivities.

How to Protect Your Child’s Smile With Preventative Dentistry This Holiday Season

1. Stick to a Schedule  

Kids tend to loosen their schedules as soon as school lets out for holiday break. While it’s fine to take a more relaxed approach to your daily schedule, encourage your child to stick to standard meal and sleep times. This consistency helps children maintain good oral hygiene habits of brushing and flossing regularly to keep cavity-causing plaque at bay.   

2. Control Sugary Snacks

When oral bacteria consume sugar for energy, they produce acids that weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay. That’s why it’s best to limit sugar-laden treats, including carb-heavy starches, in the household. Some of the worst offenders include hard candy and chewy caramel desserts.

To prevent unhealthy grazing, only keep tooth-friendly snacks around the house, especially during big family meals or parties. Some delicious options include fresh veggies and dip, cheese, and nuts. When your little one does enjoy a holiday confection, have them eat it along with the rest of a meal to keep sugars from sticking to their teeth.

3. Make Water Available

Keep your kitchen stocked with water and encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the day. By sticking to water, children will be less likely to indulge in excessively sweet holiday drinks, such as hot cocoa or apple cider. Water also helps neutralize oral bacteria by promoting saliva production and rinsing away debris in the mouth.

4. Discourage Using Teeth as Tools

Kids who have their hands full during the holidays may try to use their teeth to tear into a gift’s plastic packaging or crack open a nut. If you spot these behaviors, provide your child with the correct tools they need to complete the task at hand, such as a kid-friendly pair of scissors or a nutcracker.  

Keep your child’s teeth in top condition with the help of Honolulu Keiki Dental. Thanks to the dentist’s gentle approach and tranquil office environment, young patients will feel at ease whether they’re visiting for a routine exam or need to fill a cavity. This provider also offers comprehensive preventative dentistry services, such as teeth cleaning and dental sealants. Visit this office online for more details on these services, or call (808) 944-1603 to schedule a convenient appointment.