Schedule a Dental Exam
Keeping up with regular dentist appointments is a crucial step in maintaining a child’s oral health. It takes on added significance, however, around events like Halloween and Christmas when children may be consuming more candy and cookies than normal. Call your family dentist in Newport News or in your area to schedule an exam immediately following these super sweet times of the year.
Avoid Sticky Treats
Chocolate bars won’t help a child’s complexion or weight, but there are far worse sweets when it comes to oral health. Gummy and sticky treats like caramel, dried fruit and taffy are the biggest threats. Chewing these foods can pull out fillings, and they also coat the teeth with a thin film that increases the risk of tooth decay. Sour gummies may be the worst of all, as they also contain various acids that further harm teeth.
Eat More Fruit
If your child is craving sweets, treat him or her to the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. Crisp fruits, such as apples, offer numerous health benefits, including freshening breath, cleaning plaque from teeth and protecting gums from infection and damage. Foods that are high in fiber also increase saliva production, which offers vital protection against the acids that wear down tooth enamel.
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