Easter is fast approaching, and your child is probably looking forward to a basket filled with goodies. But as a parent, you need to be careful; the sweets associated with Easter can have very serious dental consequences. Fortunately, by taking the right steps, you can help your child enjoy the holiday while also making sure that their smile stays healthy. Below is some helpful advice from your preventive dentist for a cavity-free Easter.
Easter Treats to Be Careful Around
It’s no secret that candy in general is less than ideal for dental health; the sugar that sweets contain encourages oral bacteria to produce acids that can ultimately lead to cavities. Below are some Easter-themed candies that can be especially devastating in terms of oral health:
- Jelly Beans: Not only are jelly beans made out of pure sugar, but they’re also quite sticky. This means they can end up adhering to the teeth and staying in the mouth for quite a while, increasing your child’s risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
- Large Chocolate Bunnies: Needless to say, a large slab of solid chocolate has the potential to lead to serious dental issues.
- Marshmallow Peeps: Like jelly beans, marshmallow peeps are extremely sticky and sugary, meaning they can easily contribute to oral health problems.
- Hard Candies: Lollipops and other examples of hard candy are meant to slowly melt in the mouth – which effectively means your child will be bathing their teeth in sugar for a long time. Additionally, trying to bite down on hard candy could damage your little one’s enamel.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Child’s Smile During Easter?
Your child doesn’t necessarily need to give up Easter candy altogether, but it is generally a good idea to limit their exposure to sugar. This year, put fewer sweets in their Easter basket. You should also make sure that they enjoy their candy in moderation instead of all at once or constantly throughout the day.
Additionally, you can give your child some alternatives to candy, such as:
- Sugar-free treats like graham crackers.
- Miniature LEGO sets.
- Playdough.
- A fun new toothbrush.
- Toothpaste that comes in a flavor that they’ll love.
- Stickers.
- Chalk for drawing on the sidewalk.
These are just a few suggestions. There are all kinds of fun gifts you can pick up for your child that won’t put their smile at risk.
It’s much easier to enjoy Easter celebrations to the fullest when you don’t have to worry about your little one developing cavities. Start thinking carefully about your child’s Easter basket right now and how you can make it more smile-friendly.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Tomaszewski went to the LSU School of Dentistry for his Doctor of Dental Surgery, and he has served in the US Navy Dental Corps. He works with patients of all ages, offering thorough checkups and cleanings to keep their smiles safe. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomaszewski at Camellia City Family Dentistry in Slidell, visit his website or call (985) 641-4444.
