Tips to Save Your Child's Teeth During Easter

Easter is a holiday that is celebrated by millions of people all over the world. From egg hunts to Easter baskets, this holiday has a variety of activities that everyone enjoys. Unfortunately, some of the Easter activities can also cause dental damage.

Avoid Sugary Candies

The sugar rush that children receive from sweets like chocolate bunnies and jelly beans can drum up all sorts of tooth problems. While your child might think that they can handle all that sweet stuff, too much candy can cause tooth decay and lead to cavities.

Tooth decay happens when sugary foods cling to the surfaces of the teeth after eating. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as fuel and produce acids as a result. Those acids then work to erode away the enamel of a tooth, leading to tiny holes or cavities in the teeth. Cavities will only continue to grow in size over time if they are not treated promptly.

To combat this buildup in the forms of sugar and plaque on your child's teeth, try to limit their consumption of these types of treats:

• Chocolate
• Caramels
• Candy corn
• Jelly beans
• Jellybeans
• Marshmallows
• Peeps
• Taffy
• Sweet tarts
• Cotton candy

Try to choose treats that are low in added sugar instead. Some good options include fruit gummies and other candies that are sweetened with xylitol rather than corn syrup or sucrose.

Encourage Good Oral Hygiene

Talk to your child about healthy habits like flossing and visiting the dentist every six months. By emphasizing the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can help your child enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Examine Your Child's Smile Regularly

The best way to avoid emergency trips to the dentist is to catch problems early, and that starts with a regular examination by your child's pediatric dentist in West Jordan. The earlier a problem is caught, the more likely it is that treatment will be less invasive. Your child's smile can endure a lot during childhood, but there are certain things that can really put it at risk.

If you and your family enjoy holiday treats over Easter weekend, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly afterward to help remove food particles and lingering sugar. Additionally, follow up with your child's pediatric dentist soon for a routine cleaning and exam after the holidays to ensure a healthy mouth for the year ahead.

Visit us at 3895 W 7800 S #203, West Jordan, UT 84088. Contact us at (801) 282-6901 or visit our website to book an appointment with us.