Alternatives During This Holiday Season

 
         The holiday season is almost upon us, and while it is easy to make one more batch of cookies or one more pie this season we challenge you to incorporate fresh fruit into your holiday platters instead.  The increase in the sugar craze not only increases the risk of diabetes and obesity in your children, but it also increases their risk of decay. Dr. Fuller suggests, “More decay means more cavities, which can lead to increase in dental visits, pain and missed school.”  

            Instead of cupcakes, cut up some strawberries, melons and add some blueberries. They are easy to grab and enjoy without the calories.  “Or dress up some celery with your favorite raisons during this holiday season,” says pediatric dentist Dr. Fuller. While your children will burn more calories eating it, it also has a high concentration of water that increases saliva production. More saliva means that bacteria is not able to stick to your child’s teeth, while sticky foods like cake and candy decreases saliva production.  The longer that bacteria and food sits on their teeth, the greater the chance of decay.
            Your child’s smile is the window to the rest of their oral health. Decay in the mouth can travel to other parts of their developing bodies. While a cookie or two may not hurt, mass amounts of holiday treats that stick to the teeth open your young one up for increased opportunities for bacteria to produce an increase in acid that attacks the enamel.  

            To increase the health of your festivities try these fun choices: a fruit tree or Santa strawberries.
           


Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 20, 2014 at 3:11 PM

    My kids are all having teeth problems. They say that it wakes them up at night and that they can hardly sleep. I need to find a dentist to take them to so that they can sleep and not be in pain. http://www.highlandadvanceddentalcare.com

    ReplyDelete

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