Sometimes, adults enjoy holidays just as much as kids do because they get to see their own kids excited about them. If you’re a parent or even a grandparent, you’ve probably experienced this at Easter, when you’ve watched the kids wake up early to see what the Easter bunny brought! Not to mention egg hunts, especially if your kids help you dye the eggs. Before you (ahem, the Easter bunny) fill the basket with treats this year, consider a few smile tips from Edgewood Dental Care to keep your kids – and their smiles – happy.

For more tips, or to schedule twice-yearly checkups with us, call 859-474-7830 today.

Stay Away From Hard Candy

You may have heard this one from us before, but if not, it’s pretty self-explanatory. Candy like suckers and Jolly Ranchers may be delicious, but they’re not so great for teeth. Our teeth are strong, but they aren’t indestructible. And kids’ teeth aren’t as strong as adult teeth, so they are more susceptible to damage and decay.

Prevent any chipped teeth, cracked teeth, or broken teeth over the holiday by passing on the hard candy altogether. It would be no fun to have a dental emergency on Easter or even have your kiddo be in pain from one wrong bite. Plus, you’d have to take time from your day, and theirs, as well as pay for restorative dental care. It’s not a great idea to leave teeth in disrepair, as problems can get worse. That’s true even for baby teeth, which adult teeth depend on in different ways.

Keep Sticky Candy Stuck In The Store

Another one of our smile tips is to limit sticky, chewy candy. It’s notorious for getting stuck in between teeth, especially all the grooves of molars. Kids aren’t great at brushing their teeth, and as parents, we’re lucky if we can get them to do it once a day for two minutes. When all that sugar sticks on teeth, bacteria thrive on it. They use it as a food source, and that creates an acid that eats through teeth – what you know as tooth decay, or cavities. That’s not something you can fix yourself; it requires a filling or, if bad enough, a crown.

So, if you really must have the jelly beans in the basket this year, we encourage you to do a few things:

  • Don’t give your kids as much as you normally would.
  • Limit the time frame your kids are allowed to have candy. That way, they don’t keep sugar on their teeth all day. You may be able to keep their basket up high or have them ask permission when they want to indulge.
  • If your kids eat chewy candies, make sure they rinse out their mouth afterward by swishing water and/or by drinking milk (which contains minerals that strengthen teeth).
  • Also, be sure they brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste to keep those sugars off their teeth. They should floss once a day too. You may need to monitor your younger kids to make sure they’re thorough.
  • Find alternatives so they don’t even miss the candy.

Choose Alternative Easter Basket Treats

Speaking of alternatives, here are a few options to consider putting in the basket so your kids can still have a basket full of surprises. Get creative! Share your own ideas with us if you’re reading this on Facebook.

  • Dark chocolate
  • All-natural snacks like Goldfish crackers, individual trail mix packs, and fruit
  • Lip balm
  • Jewelry
  • Stickers
  • Arts and crafts
  • Books and coloring books
  • Outdoor toys like water guns or shovels and pails
  • A “gardening kit” with seeds
  • Balls, jump ropes, and other sports equipment
  • Stuffed animals
  • Dolls and action figures
  • Cars
  • Small toys like Hatchimals
  • Trading cards
  • Games
  • Old-fashioned toys like Etch A Sketch
  • Play-Doh
  • Legos or other building sets

Use Real Eggs For Your Easter Egg Hunt

Not all kids like hardboiled eggs, but they usually like decorating them – and finding them! If your kids will eat them, use real eggs this year. They are high in protein, which is good for keeping teeth strong. If you want to use plastic, or a mix, fill the plastic eggs with goodies like coins, rings, and stickers. Or create a treasure hunt: fill the eggs with hints, then have a big prize at the end! No candy needed.

Take Our Tooth Tips For Happy Easter Smiles

We hope you’ve enjoyed these Easter smile tips! For more tips, or to schedule appointments for your family’s teeth cleanings, call Edgewood Dental Care today at 859-474-7830 or reach out online. Now, go enjoy the holiday with your loved ones!