Holiday Dental Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Merry and Bright

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, family fun, and plenty of sweet treats. But all those festivities and goodies can take a toll on your little one’s smile. Our team at High Street Dentistry has put together helpful tips to keep your child’s smile healthy and shining bright this holiday season and all year long.

Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Bright This Holiday Season

The following are some ways to enjoy the holidays while being mindful of your child’s smile:

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Encourage your child to brush those pearly whites thoroughly for a full two minutes, twice a day, and to floss daily. Even if your schedule is packed or you’re tired after a long day of holiday festivities, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is critical for your child’s long-term dental health.
• Be Picky with Holiday Treats: Avoid chewy or sticky food varieties that are hard to clean off and tend to linger in every groove and crevice of your child’s teeth. Instead, offer healthier options, such as dark chocolate, or better yet, encourage your child to reach for fresh fruits or veggies.
• Indulge in Moderation: It’s tough to be the Grinch during the holiday season and keep all sweet treats out of reach. Offer your child a healthy, balanced diet and save the splurges for when you’re celebrating with family or friends.
• Be Creative with Your Holiday Dishes: There are many creative ways to incorporate healthy dishes into your holiday festivities. For example, offer baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon instead of apple pie, and prepare yogurt parfaits topped with berries and granola to satisfy your little one’s sweet tooth without excessive sugar.
• Encourage Your Child to Drink Water: Drinking plenty of water during the day helps promote saliva production, neutralizes acids, and washes away sugars, bacteria, and food debris. Take your child shopping for a refillable, holiday-themed water bottle to motivate them to stay hydrated.
• Visit Your Dentist: Regular dental exams and cleanings are important for preventing the onset or progression of dental disease. Dr. Jones and his team at High Street Dentistry are pleased to offer personalized children’s dental care to keep growing smiles healthy and bright.

Establishing Healthy Habits That Last

One of the best gifts you can give your child this holiday season is to develop positive oral health habits that can last well beyond the festivities. To build excitement, have your child choose a fun toothbrush, use a brushing timer, or start a brushing reward chart. Maybe even play a two-minute song while brushing to add some enjoyment to your routine. Before you know it, good oral hygiene will become a natural and enjoyable part of everyday life.

Children’s Dental Care Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

Contact our team at High Street Dentistry to learn more about healthy habits for bright holiday smiles. Dr. Jones and his kid-friendly team welcome children and families, with a goal of creating a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. We invite you to call us at (573) 636-7432 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!