Easter is a fun holiday for everyone. Parents love spending time with their children dyeing eggs and anticipating the arrival of the Easter bunny. It’s also a joyful religious holiday for millions of families around the world. Yummy candy, such as jellybeans, chocolate rabbits, and chocolate eggs, are another fun aspect of Easter. In today’s blog from Parkcrest Dental Group, we go over toothbrushing tips for Easter time when candy consumption increases.
Change Your Child’s Toothbrush
You should change your toothbrush once every three months. Easter is the perfect time to buy a new toothbrush for your children. Get them excited about toothbrushing, just as you get excited for Easter morning! Purchase a toothbrush in their favorite color or with their favorite cartoon character to make the activity more fun. Parkcrest Dental Group understands that changing your toothbrush every three months reduces the chances of bacteria build-up in your mouth that could lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Use Fluoride Products
Fluoride in toothpaste and mouth rinse can rebuild the mineral layer on the outside of your child’s teeth. Oral hygiene companies create fluoride toothpaste and rinses specifically for children. Parkcrest Dental Group can teach you and your kids how to use these products safely and properly. We’ll also point you to ADA-recommended products for kids.
Brush After Sugary Treats
Parkcrest Dental Group understands that there’s conflicting evidence about toothbrushing directly after eating sugary treats. Brushing teeth full of chocolate chunks is likely to spread sugar around even more. Acidic candy and drinks weaken enamel, so brushing right away can cause damage. Kids may hate the taste of toothpaste shortly after eating candy, which could turn them off to toothbrushing.
After eating candy, kids can drink water and swish to wash away bacteria-causing sugars. Once a little time has passed, perhaps 20-30 minutes, it’s time to brush.
Sugar tends to stay in saliva, even hours after eating candy. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste can reduce the amount of sugar in your child’s mouth. One way to get rid of as much sugar as possible is to use a fluoride rinse or gentle mouthwash after brushing.
Parkcrest Dental Group believes you should use your best judgment when helping your kids brush their teeth around Easter time. Proper brushing helps reduce the possibilities of cavities and sugar build-up in your child’s mouth.
Happy Easter From Parkcrest Dental Group!
Above all, the staff at Parkcrest Dental Group wants you and your family to have a blessed Easter season. It’s spring, the weather in the Ozarks is beautiful, and it’s a joyful time for families to celebrate renewed life. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call (417) 887-1220 for more information about our children’s dentistry services.
