No One Wants Cavities For Christmas!
The holidays are here and it’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with endless goodies and treats, family and friends! But, nobody is looking to get cavities for Christmas!
We want to make sure your pearly whites will make it into the new year without any dental decay, that could hinder your perfect smile!
Kids especially struggle with their oral health during the holidays as their usual schedules tend to get a bit disrupted with all the Christmas festivities going on!
These helpful tips will ensure that no one will be getting cavities from Santa and you will still get to enjoy all those Christmas treats!
Enjoying Holiday Sweets, but Avoiding Tooth-Decay!
To reduce the risk of damage to your teeth this holiday season, here are some helpful tips!
- Be sure to have kids rinse their mouths with water before they brush their teeth after consuming drinks that are high in acid; such as juices and ciders.
- Purchase travel sized toothbrushes and toothpastes that will easily fit into a purse or backpack for optimal brushing when you are away from home. And don’t forget the floss!
- If brushing just isn’t possible after eating, remember to have kids rinse their mouths with water and as long as they’re old enough, offer sugar-free gum. Chewing gum has been proven to increase saliva production which neutralizes and washes away those acids that would otherwise remain on teeth for long periods of time and begin to break down tooth enamel.
- Have children refrain from eating treats that are particularly sticky and chewy; such as caramels, gummy bears and the like. These treats tend to stick to your teeth for longer periods of time and can cause damage to the tooth structure. They will also wreak havoc on those with braces! Sticky treats are known culprits for busting brackets and snapping wires!
Good Oral Health for Happy Teeth!
Holidays can be busy and jam-packed for everyone, including your kids! So make it a priority for them to insure they are brushing and flossing at least twice a day for optimal oral health and no cavities!
Take measures to care for your teeth, and they’ll take care of you!
~ Dr. Rhea Haugseth
Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.