The holidays are a time where people get out of their regular cycle. The kids are out of school, they stay up late and sleep in, and often get out of their routine. With an inconsistent schedule, kids may become lackadaisical when brushing and taking care of their teeth.
The holidays always bring a huge influx of sweet treats, baking, and rich foods. This combination can be dangerous for your little ones’ teeth. A childrens dentist in Kearney, MO, like Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry, can help you keep on track with your dental routine. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind this holiday season to ensure your teeth stay strong and healthy:
Don’t Forget Your Child’s Regular Checkups
With the kids out of school, this is a great time to check in with your pediatric dentist in Kearney to see how those teeth are doing. Scraping away plaque and catching cavities before starting is a great way to kick off your holiday season. During your visit, you can also ask your kids dentist in Kearney, MO, any questions you might have about tooth and jaw development. Nighttime teeth grinding, thumb sucking, and cavities are some of the top complaints among small children.
Ration Your Sweet Treats
Candy, cookies, and sweet treats are a part of the holiday, and it’s hard to get around. As a top pediatric dentist in Kearney, our team at Shoal Creek knows there are ways to indulge in the occasional sweet snack without having major consequences. One of the best ways to do this is to have a wide variety of healthy snacks as alternatives so that your kiddo isn’t grabbing those sweet treats every time. When offering a snack, make sure and have them brush their teeth after they finish, or at the very least, some water around to try to break off any sugars stuck to their tooth’s surface.
Avoid Keeping Sweet Snacks Out on The Counter
Keeping sweet treats on the counter gives more opportunities for your kids to grab the wrong foods. Instead, over the holiday break, set out some healthier options on the counter to snack on. Put the sweet snacks away as a treat for later, and make sure they are not easily available for consumption.
Keep Up with Your Regular Brushing and Flossing Routine
This isn’t easy to do when most families are off their regular schedule. However, this is the most important time to keep it up, especially knowing the kinds of foods and snacks people are eating during this time. Make sure your children are brushing two to three times a day and specifically after a sweet snack or piece of candy. Kearney pediatric dentist specialists suggest that kids drink lots of water to try to wash off the sugars in-between their teeth. This prevents future problems, like loss of enamel.
At Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry, one of the top pediatric dental specialists in Kearney, MO, we understand holidays can be a difficult time to make dental health a high priority. However, with some simple home preventative care, it can be a breeze. Building a future of healthy smiles and treating kids’ dental needs is our specialty.
Give us a call at (816) 781-5437 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
