All parents know that the holidays can be a difficult time when it comes to keeping an eye out on what your kids are eating. Easter can be a challenging time, with all the chocolate eggs around and end of term treats in school, so it’s essential that you take extra measures to ensure your child’s teeth are in good health throughout these periods. Here are a few tips on how to get through the Easter break cavity-free….
- Counter the chocolate with healthy alternatives – It’s almost inevitable that you child will be eating more treat that usual over this period, so try to find some tooth-friendly foods that will help counter the sugary chocolate goodness. Foods like cheese (and indeed dairy products as a whole) are packed with calcium which helps keep tooth enamel strong. Cheese also lowers the ph level in the mouth, neutralising the acids and lowering the chances of tooth decay. Not only this, but it also stimulates the production of saliva, encouraging unwanted food particles to wash away.
- Find alternative sweet treats – Milk and white chocolate are notorious for being full of sugar, but there are healthier alternatives. Dark chocolate contains a high level of magnesium and more iron than the latter types of chocolate so is therefore a healthier choice than it’s (counterparts?). Why not pick out an egg with slightly higher coca solids than last year, as this will contain less sugar overall and contains more essential vitamins.
- Arrange a visit to the hygienist after the holidays are over – The dental hygienist is a vital part of maintaining good oral hygiene. A scale and polish can be performed – this is a deep clean of your child’s teeth, removing any tenacious plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Visits to the hygienist should not be substituted for visits to the dentist as their roles differ, so do not forget to arrange your child’s bi-annual dentist check-ups too!
If you would like to arrange an appointment with your dentist or hygienist here at Boyne, please do not hesitate to contact us.