Sweet Smiles: Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Teeth from Candy

As parents, we take pride in ensuring our children have bright and healthy smiles. But between holidays like Easter and Halloween, it can be tough to maintain good dental health for your children. Eating too much candy can lead to dental issues like tooth decay (cavities). In this blog, our team of experts at Smileline Orthodontics & Kids Dentistry have provided the best tips on how to protect your child’s teeth from candy.

Offer Sugar-Free Snacks

So many parents are unaware that the snacks they provide their children are full of sugar. But the good news is that there are so many alternatives with no added sugar available on the market. Some of the tastiest treats that won’t harm your child’s teeth include:

• Plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
• Cheese strips and cottage cheese
• Hummus and pita bread
• Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• Fruit and veggies
• Melba toast
• Hard boiled or deviled eggs

Choose Chocolate

If your child is craving something sweet and you’re not sure what to choose, chocolate is a better option. Chocolate is not as sticky as other types of candy such as gummy bears or fruit rollups. It’s also less likely to get stuck in your child’s teeth.

Eat Candy Following a Meal

Instead of your child snacking on candy or other treats all day long, we recommend offering a treat once they have finished eating a meal – this reduces the amount of time their teeth are exposed to sugar and acid (causes of tooth decay). The saliva you produce while eating a meal helps to wash away the sugar and prevent cavities in your child’s mouth. Another great tip is to have your child rinse with water after they eat any sweets.

Use Fluoridated Toothpaste

Don’t forget the most important step to protect your child’s teeth – using fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral that prevents cavities and strengthens teeth. Find their favourite flavour of fluoride- containing toothpaste and ensure to apply it to their toothbrush twice daily before helping them to brush their teeth.

Make sure to prioritize your child’s oral health by making good dietary and oral hygiene choices. By following these helpful tips, your child can still enjoy a few sweet treats and protect their dental health at the same time. For more information on how to protect your little one’s smile, contact our team of professionals at Smileline Orthodontics & Kids Dentistry.