The holiday season is here, and for many families, it is truly the most magical time of the year. It is a season filled with togetherness, celebrations, and countless joyful moments.
But as exciting as the holidays can be, it is important to keep a few things in mind, especially when it comes to your child’s dental health.
The holiday season is packed with tempting sugary treats—everything from candy canes and chocolate truffles to sugar cookies and peppermint bark.
While we know that enjoying these festive treats is part of the fun, it’s important to be mindful of your child’s dental health.
Opt for Healthier Treats for Your Child This Holiday Season
One simple way to make things a bit easier on your child’s teeth is to choose healthier alternatives. For instance, instead of offering sticky candies that can cling to teeth and cause cavities, consider swapping them out for dark chocolate.
It’s not only lower in sugar, but it also doesn’t stick to teeth as easily. Plus, dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which makes it a slightly better choice overall.
Another great idea is to switch up the usual spread of holiday snacks. Why not add a charcuterie board with cheese, fresh fruits, and nuts? These foods are not only delicious but also good for oral health. Offering a variety of options helps limit the amount of sugar your child consumes.
Timing also plays a big role. If possible, try to give your child sweet treats closer to mealtime or just before their regular brushing routine. This way, you can minimize how long sugar sits on their teeth and help keep cavities at bay.
Read more: Fruit Juice Isn’t as Sweet as It Seems for Your Kid’s Teeth: Here’s Why
Add Fun Dental Care Items to Your Kid’s Stocking
This year, try to add some kid-friendly dental hygiene goodies to your child’s stocking. These gifts can make taking care of their teeth more fun.
Dental hygiene products can be exciting too! You can choose items like flavored floss, toothbrushes featuring their favorite characters, an electric toothbrush, or even sugar-free gums like xylitol.
Here are some of our top picks to get you started:
Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush for Kids
This toothbrush comes in a range of fun colors, and kids can even personalize it with stickers! You can find it on Amazon here.
Plackers Kids Dual Gripz Floss Picks with Double Grip Handle
These floss picks are made specifically for little hands, with a double grip handle that makes them easy to hold and use. They also come in a variety of fun flavors. You can find them here.
Oral-B Stages Toothbrush
The Oral-B Stages Toothbrush is available in a variety of fun designs, featuring beloved characters like Disney Princesses, superheroes, and more. Just make sure you get the soft-bristled one. You can find the Disney Princess version here.
Stick with Your Dental Routine
The holiday season can get pretty hectic. Whether you’re hosting family, going on a vacation, or staying with relatives, things tend to get busy, and it’s easy for routines to get pushed aside—and that includes your child’s dental care routine.
But keeping up with regular brushing and flossing is just as important during the holidays as it is any other time of year. Consistency really matters.
Read more: Building Better Smiles: Creating Daily Dental Hygiene Routines for Kids
If you’re looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in the Lafayette area, our team at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry is here to help.
Feel free to book an appointment here or call us if you have any questions. We’re proud to serve families in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, and the surrounding areas. Happy holidays!