October is the start of the holiday season. It’s a good time to think about the things we can do to keep kids’ teeth healthy during your family’s celebrations. When your kids are enjoying sweet treats throughout this holiday season, keep in mind these tips to promote good oral health.
- Eat a well-balanced meal first. Enjoying a healthy family meal before Halloween or other festivities can fill kids’ tummies and curb their intake of sweets later.
- Hydrate with water. Bring water along to any holiday celebration, like trick-or-treating. Water can help rinse away sugar that can stick to teeth. It can also help keep them hydrated during festivities.
- Limit sticky candy. Sticky candy like gummies and caramels can be harmful to teeth because they adhere to teeth longer. Consider limiting sticky candy to reduce the risk of cavities.
- Make sure to brush and floss. Taking extra care to brush and floss after eating sweet treats can help prevent cavities. Most kids under the age of 6 will still need help brushing and flossing. To make it fun for kids, try singing a holiday song when you are helping them brush.
- Repurpose leftovers. If you enjoy baking, consider reusing the leftover candy for other holiday activities like a gingerbread house. This can help kids reduce the amount they consume while still enjoying the holiday season.
Brushing, flossing and good dental hygiene are important year-round. Be sure to visit your child’s dentist for regular check-ups. For more tips about how to keep your kids’ teeth healthy, you can visit CDC’s Oral Health Tips for Children.
This article was written and reviewed by Rethink Your Drink Nevada’s team of dietetic professionals. If you have a suggestion for a topic for the Insider, write to rethinkyourdrinknevada@unr.edu and receive a free, healthy drink recipe book.
