If you are a parent, you are very well aware of the fact that parenting requires a delicate balancing act. As parents, everyday we are faced with the task of letting our children enjoy their childhoods and keeping them safe. It is not an easy task! The same is true when it comes to Easter Basket treats and your children’s dental health.
Despite recent advances in education, oral hygiene and dental care, tooth decay in American children remains a serious problem. We know that eating foods that are high in sugar can cause tooth decay, particularly when they remain on the teeth for prolonged periods of time. This is because when those sugary foods break down, they produce bacteria and the bacteria is what causes tooth decay.
So, how do you let your children enjoy their Easter treats without sacrificing their dental health? Again, it requires a delicate balancing act on the part of the parents. Basically, you can allow your child to enjoy sugary Easter treats, however, you need to limit the frequency and amount. You can also be smart about helping your child choose the types of sweets he or she enjoys. Sticky, gooey treats such as gummy bears and worms, licorice, fruit rollups and taffy will adhere to the teeth and tend to stay on the teeth longer. If you are going to allow your child to enjoy these types of treats, you should limit the frequency and encourage him or her to brush their teeth immediately after they finish eating. Or, if a toothbrush is not readily accessible, you should encourage your child to rinse his or her mouth out with water.
You can also make suggestions to the Easter Bunny about what types of treats to leave in your child’s basket. This year, ask the Easter Bunny to mix in some fruit, pencils, stickers, crayons, sidewalk chalk etc. into your child’s Easter basket. That way, you can still enjoy this fun family tradition, without the guilt!
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