It’s no secret that the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without juicy turkey, delicious sides, and ooey-gooey desserts. But did you know some of your child’s favorite dishes can wreak havoc on their oral health? Fortunately, you can protect your favorite smile by filling their plate up with dentist-approved holiday foods so their taste buds and their teeth will thank you. Read on to learn what they are from a dentist in Randolph!
5 Dentist-Approved Holiday Foods
Since over 90% of Americans have had at least one cavity by their 21st birthday, it’s safe to say that tooth decay is a rampant issue among adults and children alike. And, unfortunately, cases skyrocket this time of year. To prevent your child’s holiday vacation from leading to dental work in the new year, help them stick to the foods that made the “nice” list:
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Veggies
- Turkey
- Sugar-free gum
5 Foods Your Child Should Stay Away From This Season
From pecan pie topped with vanilla ice cream to sweet potato casseroles filled with marshmallows, most holiday staples are jam-packed with sugar. Not only can this lead to decay, but it can also cause your child’s once bright smile to develop stubborn stains and discoloration. Therefore, pass on the below foods this season:
- Candy canes
- Carbonated beverages
- Eggnog
- Chocolate
- Ice cubes
Additional Oral Health Best Practices to Keep in Mind
Let’s be honest; the festivities just wouldn’t be the same without allowing your child to indulge in some of the above foods that made the “naughty” list. Just make sure that they practice good oral care by brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and drinking plenty of water to keep the bad stuff off their teeth. And, of course, schedule their second dental exam and professional cleaning of the year to ensure their oral health is in pristine condition heading into the new year!
With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, the holiday season is in full swing! To ensure your child can enjoy all this season has to offer, keep their smile decay-free by keeping the above “nice” and “naughty” foods in mind.
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, their highly trained team understands the importance of creating a welcoming, safe, fun dental experience for you and your child. That’s why they offer a wide array of services in-house, adopt a patient-centered philosophy of care, and have a 100% lifetime guarantee! If it’s time for your child’s routine visit or their smile needs a little holiday season TLC, visit their website or give them a call at 781-767-7200.