124 HAWAII PARENT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 always stick to a regular schedule for daily oral health hygiene, even during the holidays. 3. If aren’t able to brush and floss your teeth immediately after indulging in some sweets, do the next best thing: drink plenty of water to wash away the sugar from your teeth. This simple trick of drinking water after eating sweets is also a good way to stay hydrated and that’s good for your overall health. 4. Parents, try to avoid adult beverages that contain a lot of acid, which can wear away the protective enamel on your teeth over time. 5. When you eat or drink high-acid foods, consider eating some cheese to help neutralize the acid. The science of food shows the alkaline in cheese can do wonders! Stay by the cheese platter at your next party. 6. There may be a lot of packages to open during the holidays, but try to avoid using your teeth to open bottles or tear open packages. These activities can damthe layer of enamel on our teeth, creating holes or cavities in our teeth. This can eventually lead to painful toothaches and gum disease if left untreated. Instead of abstaining from celebrating the holidays with special treats altogether, parents can help their children learn to take control of their oral health. Tips for Healthy Holiday Smiles Here are seven practical tips to maintain a healthy smile during the holidays. 1. Avoid certain types of sugary foods that are more likely to cause tooth decay. For example, gummy candy is more likely to stick to our teeth which can lead to tooth decay. Don’t worry about hurting Auntie’s feelings when you politely decline her offer of chocolate-covered gummy bears! 2. If you do succumb to temptation and have a few pieces of candy, don’t despair. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth soon after to minimize the chance of acid forming that can lead to tooth decay. And There’s no denying that this time of year often means indulging in sweet treats and savory dishes. “This can eventually lead to painful toothaches and gum disease if left untreated.”
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