There are countless delicious sweets that are only available at Easter time, from Peeps and jellybeans to Cadbury chocolate eggs! The delicious sugar rush and sweet satisfaction your child gets from these candies — well, there is nothing like it. And, while you do not have to outlaw Easter candy altogether, you should remain conscientious of the impact that it can have on your child’s oral health. Read on to learn how your child’s favorite seasonal treats could affect their smile and what you can do to keep that from happening.
What is the Deal with Sugar?
Sugar is not inherently bad, but eating it in moderation is key. For children with a sweet tooth, this is what can be difficult, especially on holidays when they have a whole basket of goodies at their disposal. The problem with this is, as they munch on candy throughout the day, they are creating an endless buffet of carbohydrates in their mouth, which happen to be the preferred treat of bacteria. As these bacteria munch, they produce waste in the form of acid, which erodes their tooth enamel and eventually leads to cavities.
Some Easter Candies are Better Than Others
In order for bacteria to really get their fill, sugar needs to stick around in the mouth and resist being washed away by saliva. For this reason, the worst offenders during Eastertime are usually sticky candies that cling to teeth, as well as hard candies that your child has in their mouth for long periods of time. Candies such as chocolate tend to melt away, making them the preferred choice.
How Can You Keep Candy from Creating Cavities?
If your child gets sweets on Easter, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the chances that they develop cavities as a result, including:
- Keep them hydrated: Staying hydrated with water can help rinse away lingering sugar in their mouth as well as acidic waste from bacteria.
- Timing is everything: Make sure your child does not snack on treats throughout the day.
- Stick to their routine: Continue monitoring that they are brushing and flossing every morning and night to prevent plaque build-up.
- Schedule their post-Easter checkup: Call their pediatric dentist in Leesburg to schedule their next visit!
Easter is all about celebrating and spending time with the family, and candy will naturally be a part of it! However, by taking these preventive steps, you can help keep your household cavity free, even if the Easter Bunny insists on bringing a whole basket of treats for your child!
About the Author
Dr. Vani Takiar, better known as Agent T by her patients, is a Board-Certified pediatric dentist with several years of experience. She takes an educational and hands-on approach with everyone she sees to help them build excellent oral health habits that will serve them for the rest of their lives! She also uses the latest technology, like an intraoral camera, to spot the earliest signs of common dental concerns like cavities, helping keep your favorite smile healthy. To schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Tooth Clues’ website or call 571-799-0559.