Sweet Tooth Season: How to Keep Your Kids’ Teeth Happy During the Holidays

Why the Holidays Create a Sticky Situation for Kids and Sugar

Our mouths naturally contain a variety of bacteria, many of which are beneficial—so long as they remain balanced. When we consume sugary or starchy foods like candy or sweets, however, it gives these bacteria a feast, allowing them to multiply rapidly. In the process, they produce byproducts like acid, which weakens the enamel and sets the stage for cavities and decay.

Children, in particular, according to Dr. Keesh, are more vulnerable to the effects of harmful bacteria and oral health issues like cavities.

“Children’s primary teeth have softer, more porous enamel, making them more susceptible to the damage caused by bacterial acid, and their newly erupting molars also tend to have deep grooves that can trap food, debris, and sugar.”

Moreover, according to the UT Southwestern Medical Center, most kids between the ages of 2-18 already consume nearly three times the recommended daily amount of sugar, about 17 teaspoons a day, on average, and because they tend to lack the dexterity and consistency needed to maintain good oral hygiene, kids are also unable to remove all that sugar and starch as effectively.

Then come the holidays. When families get out of their normal routine–such as in the summer or around the holidays–kids will consume exponentially more sugar than they already do, nearly 400% more. 

This is due to a number of reasons, such as:

• Holiday-specific foods that are high in sugar, such as candy and baked goods
• More holiday parties packed with desserts and treats
• Traditions that center around sweets (think trick-or-treating, a plate of cookies for Santa, and hunting for Easter Eggs full of candy)
• Relaxed eating routines

All of this combined could be a recipe for disaster in the form of cavities, decay, tooth pain, and sensitivity, but by taking a mindful approach, practicing a little moderation, and encouraging extra brushing, says Dr. Keesh, your kids–and you–can survive the holidays with a healthy smile. 

How to Celebrate the Holidays without All the Cavities

When it comes to protecting your kids’ teeth during the holiday sugar rush, here’s what’s most important:

1. What they eat
2. When they eat it
3. What happens after they eat it
4. How you manage it

Dr. Keesh explains.

Can kids enjoy candy and sweets without wrecking their teeth? 

“Yes, kids can absolutely enjoy candy–even dentists eat candy! But it’s just like anything else–it’s all about moderation.”

A single chocolate bar, for example, isn’t going to cause immediate damage, explains Dr. Keesh, but it’s how frequently your child is having a chocolate bar and how long the sugar stays in their mouth that can lead to cavities. 

“It’s important to be mindful about when your child is eating their sweets,” Dr. Keesh says.

The best time to enjoy candy is during meals. When eaten with a meal, saliva helps to wash away sugar and neutralize acids. And after eating, always encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water and brush their teeth. There’s also no need to indulge every day or binge before bed—keep treats special and balanced. 

Are certain types of sweets worse for teeth than others? 

“Sticky candies like gummies and taffy are more problematic because they cling to the teeth and can get trapped in the grooves. These are harder to clean out and tend to stick around longer,” says Dr. Keesh. “I probably prefer chocolate over sticky candy because it’s easier to wash away and doesn’t linger as much.” 

Hard, chewy, or crunchy sweets are also less than ideal, since they can take longer to consume (which equates to more time on your child’s teeth and in their mouth) and crunching down or chewing on them can damage restorations like fillings or even crack or chip teeth.

If your child loves gum, consider gum with xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that helps fight cavities, making it a much healthier option for their teeth compared to sugar-filled treats. 

If you’re looking for healthier candy alternatives, try options like Zollipops or Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets. These use alternative sweeteners that are kinder to teeth but still taste great. 

Can other snacks cause cavities, too? 

“Absolutely,” says Dr. Keesh, and you might be surprised by which ones.

“Many snacks you might think are mostly hazardous to your weight, like crackers and chips, can contribute to cavities as well, because starchy foods break down into sugars, and those sugars can stick to the teeth just like candy.”

Goldfish crackers or Cheez-Its, for example, can be just as bad if they stay on the teeth for too long, so the best thing you can do is limit how often your child is snacking on these foods and make sure they’re drinking water and brushing afterward.

How can parents keep a handle on candy and sweets during the holidays? 

“It really comes down to setting boundaries,” Dr. Keesh says. “After Halloween or holiday parties, I recommend locking up the leftover sweets and giving it out in small portions, and also setting a date when it all gets thrown out entirely, so everyone can enjoy it while it’s there but it isn’t hanging around forever.” 

You can also make this a good time to reinforce your child’s oral hygiene routine by making brushing their teeth part of the fun. For example, you could reward them with a sticker after brushing, or even a coupon for a piece of candy the next day. A rewards system not only helps reinforce good habits but keeps the candy from disappearing too fast. 

Help Your Kids Savor the Holidays and Protect their Oral Hygiene with Dental Depot of Oklahoma

At Dental Depot of Oklahoma, we know sugary sweets are hard to pass up during the holidays, and we know dental problems like cavities can happen even with the best preventative care. That’s why we offer comprehensive, common-sense dental care services to patients of all ages all year-round, from dental checkups and cleanings to fillings, fluoride treatments, and more. We also strive to make our services affordable and accessible, with flexible scheduling, Saturday appointments, and personalized payment options.

With Dental Depot of Oklahoma as your family’s partner for dental care, we can help you enjoy your holidays and a healthy smile for years to come. Tackle the holiday sweets with confidence and schedule your child’s next cleaning at Dental Depot of Oklahoma.