Tips For A Healthy Holiday Season! 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere we go! With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to spend quality time with loved ones, give a few thoughtful gifts, and maybe even indulge in a few of your festive favourites. We all love candies and baked goods, but the holidays aren’t an excuse to ignore how these sweets can affect your family’s dental health. We could never ask you to give up all the holiday treats. There are a few healthy tips you can follow to keep your kids’ smiles happy and healthy going into the new year! 

Choose Healthy Holiday Foods for Kids

Make your home a healthier zone by reducing the amount of sugar you use to cook/bake with. When you consume sugar, the bacteria in your mouth break it down into an acid. This acid weakens tooth enamel and can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Stock up on healthy foods this holiday season, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lean protein, and whole grains. Make sure your kids fill up on well-balanced and nutritious meals and save the treats for your special holiday celebrations. If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, we suggest the following:

• Oatmeal cookies
• Gingerbread cookies
• Pumpkin pie
• Nut-based cookies and pies
• Dried fruit
• Semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies

Make Oral Hygiene A Top Priority

Ensuring that kids brush and floss as per the recommended oral hygiene routine is the top secret to maintaining their dental health during the holidays and throughout the year. Use the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste and help with brushing until you’re certain that they’re old enough to do it on their own. This will help to prevent cavities and tooth decay!

Keep Hydrated

Have your kids drink water, and avoid sugary drinks such as sodas, sports drinks, and juices. Water enhances the flow of saliva, neutralizes plaque acids, and washes away bacteria and food debris. If you can’t deny your kids the occasional festive drink, try serving their meals with water and give them a water bottle to take with them throughout the day. 

Visit Our Pediatric Dental Office In Calgary! 

One of the most important steps in your child’s oral hygiene routine is regular check-ups with our children’s dentist. Dr. Sam and the staff of dental professionals are always ready to help! Contact us today to book an appointment with our pediatric dentist in Calgary and help them maintain good oral health this holiday season! Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more tips and tricks! Wishing you all a very happy and healthy holiday season!