You’ve successfully hidden the chocolate eggs in anticipation of Easter Sunday.
But you’re worried about the effect of so much chocolate on your children’s teeth. So how can you protect their teeth from the effects of excess sugar?
Don’t worry, there are some easy steps you can take to help prevent cavities and dental decay during this holiday weekend.
Sugar is converted to acid by the bacteria in the mouth, and too much acid in the mouth breaks down tooth enamel and creates cavities. By keeping your children’s mouths in a neutral PH balance (through brushing and rinsing), you can prevent cavities from developing.
It’s important for your children to drink plenty of water when they eat their Easter chocolate. Not only does this help to keep them well hydrated, it also has the benefit of neutralizing the effects of excess sugar in the mouth. For added benefit, encourage them to rinse their mouths with water immediately after eating chocolate.
Instead of letting let them snack on their chocolate throughout the day, limit the times your children can eat their chocolate. If your child snacks on sugary foods or drinks throughout the day, their teeth will be exposed to sugar and enamel-eating acids for longer, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Schedule a time for you and your children to eat chocolate together to limit their sugar exposure.
Ensure your children maintain good oral hygiene habits – brushing twice a day for two minutes each time. But don’t send them brushing immediately – wait an hour for the acids in the mouth to be neutralized to ensure the softened tooth enamel is not damaged by brushing immediately.
Finally, remember that there are other healthy alternatives for snacking during the holidays. Dairy foods such as yoghurt and cheese help to regulate acidity and provide calcium to strengthen your children’s teeth and bones.
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