Keeping Younger Smiles Safe Through the Holidays

Cute little happy blond preschool kid boy baking apple cake and muffins in domestic kitchen. Funny lovely healthy child having fun with working with mixer, flour, eggs, fruits. Little helper indoors.With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many children are excited to have a small break from school, hang out with their friends and family, and indulge in a variety of delicious foods and treats. While the holidays can be a great time for catching up and relaxing, it is not a good time to neglect oral health and potential dangers that holiday foods can cause. While this may appear difficult, Fortunately, the team at Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX has prepared some important information to consider during the holidays about ways to keep your children’s smiles safe and healthy.

Pay Attention to Diet

One of the fan-favorites at Thanksgiving is dessert. From pies to cakes to everything in-between, it’s the one holiday you can get away with taking a little sliver of everything. It is important to note, however, just how much those treats affect your smile.

Oral bacteria like to nestle into the hidden or hard-to-reach portions of the mouth, including in-between back teeth and very close to the gum line. Here they attempt to break down healthy oral structures and cause issues such as cavities. When sugar is introduced to the equation, however, bacteria feed off of it and secrete even more harmful acids that break down oral structures at a faster rate, acting as a catalyst to deterioration. Cavities can typically be managed with a dental filling treatment, but if allowed to continue, this can result in decay and even tooth loss. By staying aware of the foods and drinks taken in, you will be able to minimize the chances of harm to your little one’s smile.

Maintain Healthy Habits

In addition to attending routine checkups and cleanings, brushing and flossing at home consistently is an excellent way to get your kids excited about oral health as well as keeping their grins bright and strong. While the holidays may seem like a time for relaxing, forgetting to brush or skipping it can compound to become detrimental for a life-long smile.

Identify the Warning Signs

Another factor to keep in mind is how your little one feels. If he or she is expressing constant pain or discomfort, if there is any indication of bleeding or swelling, or if you have noticed your child is experiencing sensitivity or aching, contact your dentist immediately. While some of these circumstances do occur, the frequency at which they are occurring becomes a point of concern, as healthy teeth do not hurt. For more information, contact our team today.

Having a Safe and Fun-Filled Holiday

The team at Cleveland Family Dentistry wants to wish all of our patients a happy holiday and remind them of the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. For more information, contact our Cleveland, TX office by calling (281) 592-1234