During the holiday break, kids can enjoy their free time, spend time with family, and relax. However, the break often involves indulging in decadent treats and abandoning routines, which can be harmful to your child's oral health. As they enjoy their break, it's important to ensure that your child follows these holiday dental tips for kids to maintain good oral health.

 

Moderate Sweet Treats

Holiday treats – like cookies, candy canes, hot cocoa, and pie – are a staple of the season (and a rite of passage for all kids). Treats like these contain high amounts of sugar, which bacteria love to eat. When bacteria in your mouth break down sugar, they release acid, which weakens your tooth enamel and can lead to tooth decay and cavities. While you don’t have to skip these treats altogether, moderation is recommended!

The amount your child consumes is entirely up to you. We suggest limiting your child to one portion (i.e., one cookie, one mug of hot cocoa, etc.) of one treat per day.

 

Maintain Water Intake

When kids are home for holiday break, they have access to everything you have in the house – including soda, juice, and iced tea. If given the choice, most children will usually pick one of those beverages over water.

However, drinking enough water is vital since it promotes dental health by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and supporting saliva production, which protects teeth from decay.

Don't forget to provide your child with water during meals and ensure they have a reusable water bottle to take with them wherever they go – whether it's around the house, to a friend's or family member's, or when they're out and about. There are even bottles that track how much you drink, allowing you to easily monitor your child’s water intake!

 

Give Teeth-Friendly Gifts

The holiday season is synonymous with gift-giving – so why not make some of those gifts dentist-approved? Here are a few fun examples that make great stocking stuffers: 

·  Colorful toothbrushes with fun designs  

·  Electric toothbrushes that sing to you

·  Toothpaste with beloved cartoon characters  

·  Fun-flavored toothpastes

·  Sugar-free gum

·  Dental flossers in kid-friendly shapes  

·  Storybooks about dental health  

·  A cute tooth fairy pillow  

·  Fun timer to encourage brushing for two minutes  

·  Dental health kits with brushes, floss, and stickers

 

Keep Up Routines

When kids are off their usual schedules, a lot gets thrown out of whack. Don’t let their oral health routine be one of them! Regardless of what time they go to bed or wake up, they should still stick to their regular dental care schedule.

Make sure your kids brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once daily throughout their holiday break. Consider adding a cavity-fighting mouthwash to their routine, too. Consistency goes a long way!

 

Visit the Dentist

If your kids have the week off from school, it's the perfect time to schedule a dentist appointment so they don't miss any classes. Get them excited, be positive, and make a day out of it – perhaps planning a few fun activities to sandwich their check-up.

At Just Kids, part of Gettysburg Dental Associates, we are committed to providing a positive and healthy experience for both children and parents during dental treatments. We take a family-centered approach to dentistry and have the necessary expertise, facilities, and equipment to cater to the dental needs of everyone in your family, from children to adults to older patients. Schedule an appointment for your child today!

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