How to Help Your Little Hero Have a Happy Holiday Smile

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, hot cocoa, candy canes and cupcakes! These are a few of our favorite treats, all in moderation, of course. Now that the spooks and scares of Halloween have come and gone, we’re still left with one scary thought: What about the aftereffects of candy on your little hero’s teeth? Surely you know the importance of brushing twice a day and flossing, but around the holiday season, we may need to go the extra mile when caring for your little hero’s oral hygiene.

Caring for their teeth doesn’t mean you should completely cut out their favorite sweets, though. Here’s a list of tips on how to follow up with oral hygiene after you or your little hero have indulged a bit this holiday season.

Avoid Sticky Treats

Certain candies can be stuck to teeth for hours, leaving sugar lingering around with ample time for bacterial growth. If your little one happens to eat sticky candies, make sure he/she brushes thoroughly or rinses with mouthwash afterward.

Timing is Everything

The best time to indulge in a sweet snack or candy is right after a meal. The salivation that occurs while eating a meal helps break down sugars afterward. Avoid having your little one eat or drink sugary beverages before bedtime. Sugars left in the mouth overnight can cause serious bacteria that can lead to cavities! Always have them brush their teeth before bedtime.

Rinse it Out

Tis’ the season to drink water, especially after tasty treats are eaten. Water is your child’s best friend this holiday seasons. There are so many benefits to drinking plenty of water daily, with one being that water helps rinse the mouth of sugars after candy consumption. Have them wash down sugars with water after each meal or treat.

Hard Candy

Like sticky candies, have your little hero avoid hard candy that can potentially cause cosmetic damage to their teeth like a chipped tooth! Hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers, candy canes and taffy can be dangerous to tender teeth.

Cleaning Between Teeth

It’s easy to get lazy and settle for a quick brushing, but the truth is, your little hero should go the extra mile. Flossing and cleaning between teeth is very important in avoiding sugar, bacteria and plaque buildup. Let your little hero build a healthy habit of flossing daily after sweet treats have been devoured.

Visit Our Sidekicks!

Eating candies is fine, but only as long as your little hero knows how to clean their teeth afterward. With our super sidekicks helping them, the nasty Sugarbugs don’t stand a chance at damaging their teeth! For more information about maintaining healthy oral hygiene this holiday season, contact Little Heroes Dentistry in Mission.