Tis’ the season to be jolly! It’s that time of year for making gingerbread houses, sipping on hot chocolate and eating candy canes. Even our team has a sweet tooth around this time of year. So we can understand wanting to chomp down on a perfectly baked sugar cookie now and then. AND you and your family should be able to enjoy your holiday season full of treats!
Tis’ the season to be jolly! It’s that time of year for making gingerbread houses, sipping on hot chocolate and eating candy canes. Even our team has a sweet tooth around this time of year. So we can understand wanting to chomp down on a perfectly baked sugar cookie now and then. AND you and your family should be able to enjoy your holiday season full of treats!
So here are 5 Dental Tips you can do with your child to help prevent cavities during the holidays:
1. Don’t skip brushing or flossing for either you or your child:
It is easy to want to skip brushing sometimes, especially around the holidays. It gets very busy this time of year with all the running around and maybe your child falls asleep on the ride home from a holiday party so you put them to bed right away before brushing. Unfortunately, cavities don’t go on vacation. When sugar sits on your teeth for too long, it turns into acid and the acid eats away at your tooth enamel. Once it’s gone, there is no turning back and it could lead to cavities, infections and worse! So don’t forget to brush and floss!
2. Make eating fruit and vegetables fun:
We know that getting your child (and sometimes adults too) to eat vegetables and fruits is not always the easiest task. But what if they were shaped like a snowman or reindeer! That would make it fun to eat for everyone. (images below do not belong to us) WIth all the sugar that gets consumed this time of year, it is important to equally eat fruit and vegetables too.
3. Brush before and after snacking
A lot easier said than done, we know! But if you are all extra proactive with your dental health now, you are more likely to avoid tooth decay and cavities. The less time sugary and acidic foods sit on your teeth the better!
- By brushing before snacking you give your teeth a clean surface so less food sticks to your teeth
- By brushing after snacking you remove any remaining food that was stuck before it has time to start causing damage to your teeth.
4. Drink lots of water!
There are so many delicious options for beverages during the holidays. Although they are very delicious, we must remember to still drink water too. Your body needs it and your teeth appreciate it. Water not only is needed for your overall health, but it also helps wash away remaining sugar and food still on your teeth.
5. Last but not least: Schedule A Dental Cleaning- Together
We have same day appointments available for both you and your child(ren). For everyone with Dental Insurance, December is the last chance to use up all remaining dental benefits before they expire forever. So if you have any unused dental benefits or flex spending now is the chance to use it. Regardless if you have insurance or not, it’s still a good idea to get a dental cleaning before the end of the year. Wrap up the year with a fresh clean smile!
Follow these 5 Healthy Holiday Dental Tips and your teeth will thank you! Our team at Dental Care hopes you and your family have a wonderful Holiday Season. Enjoy the sweet festivities that this season brings. We are always here to help you maintain a healthy beautiful smile.
Off for Christmas Break?
Take advantage of your day off and schedule your dental visit today. We will be here! Call us 203-409-8834
