Thanksgiving and Your Kid's Teeth

It's the most wonderful time of the year - just maybe not for our teeth. From Halloween through the New Year, our kid's teeth and gums go through a lot. As Thanksgiving comes, followed by cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and then Christmas, we wanted to give you some tips to help keep your kid's teeth sparkling and healthy.

Turkey and Treats

The traditional Thanksgiving meal staples usually include Turkey, some mashed or sweet potatoes (topped with marshmallows), and yummy varieties of American pies. While we know that skipping out on all of these foods wouldn't make for a very 'happy' Thanksgiving, there are things you can do to enjoy the day without overindulging or wreaking havoc on your teeth and gums.

• Moderation. As with most things in life, eating on Turkey Day should be in moderation. Allow your child to have a small slice of pie, but limit their sugar consumption - remember, those sugar bugs that cause cavities love to feast just as much as your kiddos.
• Healthy Snacks. We typically graze during Thanksgiving. In between the parade, Charlie Brown, and the big game, we may make multiple trips to the kitchen to fill our plates. For your kids, be sure to set out healthy snacks like veggie trays with homemade ranch (to avoid added sugars). You can also include a yummy cheese tray, as cheese is full of great vitamins that strengthen your child's teeth. Avoid sugary snacks like candies, marshmallows, or cookies.
• Hydration. A tip for everyone during the holidays is to drink more water. In general, none of us get the right amount of H2O every daily. Add in a few extra glasses of water for you and your kids to help wash away bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Hydration can also help you feel full, helping you avoid over-indulging.
• Change the Focus. When people say "Thanksgiving" our first thought is usually eating. We can break this cycle by making the holiday about more than just food. Play fun games together, take a walk and talk about things you are thankful for! If you take the focus off food, you can still have a wonderful day and make it even healthier.

Thankful for Teeth

As dentists, we are always thankful for healthy patients with healthy teeth and gums. You can help your children keep their teeth healthy by encouraging them to brush their teeth twice per day for two minutes, flossing daily, and brushing after their big Thanksgiving meal. In addition, the holidays are a great time to schedule a routine cleaning and exam. Give their teeth a healthy boost before the season of indulgence and jump start those health resolutions. From all of us at Timber Kids Dentistry - Happy Thanksgiving!