A Guide to A Healthy Smile This Holiday Season | Smile Line Dentistry

A Guide to A Healthy Smile This Holiday Season

The cheerful air of the upcoming holiday season encourages your child’s smile to shine brighter than ever, but also increases the temptations of sweets and treats. Many holiday treats have the potential to damage your children’s teeth, making it imperative to be mindful of their oral health. To ensure that those smiles shine brightly throughout the upcoming celebrations, it’s essential to prioritize dental well-being and make smart choices by avoiding unhealthy, teeth-damaging foods.

Festive Foods To Watch Out For: 

  1. Caramel Popcorn – This sticky food can attach to the teeth and encourage bacterial and acid growth creating cavities.
  1. Candy Canes- Despite being a popular staple, this candy sticks to the teeth, accumulating plaque buildup. Excess plaque leads to an increased risk of white or black line stains and cavities.
  1. Sugary Drinks- Hot chocolate, eggnog, and more, contain high sugar content that can coat your teeth with a layer of sugar providing a haven for bacteria to gather and release acid and cause tooth decay.
  1. Sugar Cookies- Similar to the negative effects of candy canes, the high sugar content in these cookies works with bacteria that can cause tooth decay and cavities.

The Best Seasonal Substitutes: 

  1. Santa Hat Strawberries- Strawberries are a great source of nutrients! Not only can they satisfy your fresh food cravings, but they are also healthy and delicious. Try giving your strawberries some festive cheer by dipping the tip and bottom of the strawberries in yogurt to make them resemble Santa hats!
  1. Cheese Platter- Cheese is another substitute that can aid your teeth on their journey to maximum health! It provides a significant source of calcium which increases saliva production and destroys bacteria. This reduces the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
  1. Yogurt Snowman- Eating yogurt during the holiday season is another way to help your teeth flourish. Try adding blueberries (for the eyes and mouth) and triangular carrots (for the nose) to your favourite flavour of yogurt, making a fun yogurt snowman!
  1. Reindeer Food- Mix cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds, to create reindeer food! High in omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent gum disease, these delicious nuts and seeds are the perfect snack for any of Santa’s reindeer!

Despite the delicious food alternatives, we know the holidays can be tempting and we understand if you or your child decides to indulge in the occasional treat. Be sure to take the time to brush your teeth twice a day to prevent any cavities and plaque buildup. When brushing, ensure the toothbrush is carefully positioned along the gumline to brush away any plaque. And remember to brush your teeth and gums for at least 2 minutes! This will make sure your teeth will shine brighter than ever!

No matter what food cravings the holidays may bring, Smilelines’s dedicated experts will ensure you and your child’s teeth have the strength to face any challenges. Visit Smileline Orthodontics & Kids Dentistry for all your dental needs and inquiries!