The holidays are rampant with sweets and sugary drinks. But, you can remind your child that maintaining good oral health during the holidays can keep them on Santa’s “Nice List”! Here are some tips that will help you keep them on track:
✓ Keep your normal brushing routine. Just because it’s holiday time and morning and bedtime schedules may become more relaxed, you shouldn’t reduce brushing. It’s important to continue brushing at least twice per day for two minutes per session.
✓ Choose the healthy snack. Don’t completely do away with enjoying special holiday treats, but make sure to eat them in moderation and mix healthy snacks in with the sweets.
✓ Don’t forget the dentist! Holiday breaks are a great time to schedule your dental checkup. Dr. Baker’s staff will be available throughout the season to schedule appointments. Getting check-ups during holiday breaks is also a good way to remember a specific time of year when you need to routinely schedule your child’s appointments.
✓ Drink water. Avoid drinking sugary drinks, such as sodas, sports drinks, and juices. Remember, it is recommended that children age 1 and under do not drink fruit juice. Children ages 4-6 should limit their fruit juice intake to 4-6 oz. per day and those between ages 7 and 18 should only have one 8 oz. glass per day. The same is true for sodas and sports drinks. Always choose water with fluoride for optimal hydration and health.
✓ Protect your teeth. Wear a mouthguard during this sports season. Mouthguards bought at local retailers can slip and slide, which may not fully protect your child in the event of a sports-related dental injury. Others that claim to mold to a child’s teeth are not customized to fit your child’s mouth. We can design a mouthguard for your child’s specific mouth to provide him or her with the highest level of protection.
Adapted from the American Dental Association