Holiday Meals and Your Child’s Oral Health

The holidays are right around the corner and many of us tend to eat foods that are special to those times. Many of these special holiday foods contain more sugar, starch, and cavity-causing ingredients than we’re used to, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to your child’s oral health while eating holiday meals. Here’s some advice to keep your child’s oral health in the best shape while holiday dining and snacking from your local pediatric dentist in Melbourne, FL.

Ways to Protect Your Child’s Teeth during Holiday Meals

Brushing twice a day and flossing before bed should remain a part of your child’s daily oral health routine. Some things can be done throughout the day around the holidays that can protect their teeth as well.

Hot chocolate might be a favorite treat during the cooler months, but it tends to contain high sugar levels. Have your child rinse their mouth with water after a mug of cocoa. That can rinse much of the sugar off their teeth afterward, helping to avoid tooth decay.

The same goes for sweet baked goods. When your child has a piece of cake, a pastry, or anything similar, give them a glass of water with it. Drinking water can keep that sugar rinsed off the teeth, which keeps away the potential for cavities. The CDC recommends avoiding sweets and sodas between meals, if possible.

Side dishes like stuffing, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes usually accompany holiday meals. These starchy foods are sticky, however, and more difficult to get off your child’s teeth. Instead of a second helping of stuffing, offer them another slice of turkey or ham, so they’ll fill up on protein.

Sweet candies such as candy canes might be unavoidable at your house during the holidays. Try to limit your child’s intake of these, and remember to keep them drinking water so it rinses excess sugar away.Do you have any questions about your child’s oral health, or is it time for a checkup? If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in Melbourne, contact us at Sunshine Smiles to schedule an appointment!