Easter Dental Tips to Protect Your Teeth from Sugar Damage

It’s that time of year again, Easter.

Where families gather to celebrate with feasts of delectable delicacies while youngsters hunt for the piles of candy left by the Easter Bunny.

The Easter Bunny’s sweet gifts attack our teeth amid all this joy behind the scenes.

This is a reasonable concern; bingeing on sugary foods may leave teeth and gums vulnerable to microorganisms, which causes tooth decay and illness.

This Easter, follow your Wodonga dentist’s advice to avoid the damaging effects of sugary candy and rich meals on your family’s teeth, especially children’s.

Why Should I Be Concerned With Easter Candy?

The World Health Organisation states that the daily calorie intake of sugar should not exceed 10%. For the average adult, this amounts to less than 12 tablespoons per day.

Easter candy easily outnumbers that figure:

• Thirty-four grams of sugar are included in one container of small yellow Peeps.
• Lindt Chocolate Bunny is a chocolate bunny made by Lindt. This sweet bunny contains a whopping 50 grams of sugar in his body.
• Crème Eggs by Cadbury. Sugar content: 20 grams

Consider putting this candy in an Easter basket or a dish on a table. It has so much sugar, which means there’s a lot of risk for tooth decay.

If your child receives an Easter basket full of goodies, they may feel compelled to consume them all at once. Look through your Easter basket for healthy and unhealthy foods for you and your child.

So, what is the best way to keep your and your family’s teeth safe?

Here are 5 dental tips to remember this Easter

#1. Consider alternatives to chocolate

With so many options available in supermarkets and whole food stores, Easter is the ideal time to introduce your children to a fresh approach to eating and wean them off of sweets and chips for good.

If you want a comprehensive alternative to processed meals, there’s much to discover with excellent whole foods.

There are many options on the internet, ranging from goodie-filled organza bags to homemade natural cakes.

Remember to select items wisely based on your child’s age. Nuts and dry foods, for example, can cause choking in young children.

#2. Chew on sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals and sweet treats helps stimulate saliva production. Saliva is essential for neutralising acids in the mouth and washing away food particles.

Look for xylitol gum, a natural sweetener that reduces harmful bacteria and prevents cavities.

#3. Drink plenty of water

Water is one of the best natural defences against tooth decay. After they’ve eaten, a glass of water is the best drink to give them.

Saliva neutralises bacteria’s acids. Drinking water increases saliva flow in the mouth.

Ensure your family drinks water throughout the day while they consume Easter snacks. Fluoridated water is even better, as it helps strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.

#4. Maintain oral hygiene

You should always maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.

Then, at least once daily, follow your brushing with a thorough flossing.

Even if you indulge in sweets, there is no reason to wash your teeth more than twice a day.

#5. Visit your Wodonga dentist regularly

Getting regular preventive dental treatment remains the foundation for sustaining good oral health. Your Wodonga dentist will help identify initial dental issues through routine check-ups and professional cleanings that stop cavity formation.

Your dentist can also provide fluoride treatments or dental sealants to protect your teeth further.

If you or your child experience tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or other dental concerns after Easter, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.

Additional Tips for a Tooth-Friendly Easter

In addition to the five essential Easter dental tips, here are some extra ways to keep your family’s smiles bright and healthy:

• Limit snacking: Eating sweets in one sitting is better than spreading consumption throughout the day, as frequent snacking exposes teeth to sugar for longer periods.
• Opt for dark chocolate: Dark chocolate provides fewer calories from sugar than milk chocolate because its rich nutrient profile includes antioxidants that help oral wellness.
• Encourage brushing before indulging: Brushing before eating sweets creates a protective barrier against sugar and acids.
• Use a straw for sugary drinks: If enjoying fruit juices or sweetened beverages, drinking through a straw can help minimise direct contact with teeth.

Healthy Smile at Prime Care Dental Wodonga

During Easter, your children’s teeth and chocolate will inevitably come into contact, but we’re confident that following these tips will help to minimise the harm.

We hope this has made Easter a little more enjoyable for you and your family. Have a wonderful Easter!

Child Dental Benefits Schedule in Wodonga

Bulk Bill for eligible children

Up to $1,095 cost of dental services over two years

Call us at (02) 6024 1516 or make an online appointment.

We are located at 340 Beechworth Rd in Wodonga.