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Easter Candy and Dental Health

Easter Candy and Dental Health – An Easter basket is a holiday tradition so Delta Dental of Michigan is reminding the Easter Bunny and parents that a basket filled with chocolate is better for teeth than one overflowing with jellybeans.

OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS FAMILY HEALTH ARTICLES

Easter Candy and Dental Health

Sticky candies can uproot fillings and long-lasting hard candies can lead to an acid attack on teeth for up to 20 minutes after they have melted away. Prolonged exposure to sugary treats can contribute to the development of cavities in children’s teeth.

“I recommend sugar-free candies or chocolates that melt away quickly,” said a chief science officer and senior vice president of Delta Dental of Michigan, speaking about Easter candy and dental health. “Regardless of the type of candy eaten, it should be followed up with a glass of water or milk to help rinse sugar away from the teeth.”

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important, but that doesn’t mean kids can’t have fun with it. Keep these tooth-friendly ideas in mind when filling Easter baskets this year

  • Throw a musical, light-up or cartoon-character toothbrush into the mix. Novelties can get little ones excited about brushing.
  • Add an egg-shaped timer alongside other plastic eggs. This can be used to teach kids to brush for the full two minutes recommended by dentists.
  • Include books or videos, such as The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss or the Dr. Rabbit video series, to get kids thinking about healthy teeth.

Delta Dental also recommends kids have a nutritious meal or snack prior to digging into their Easter treats to avoid overindulgence. As always, there’s no substitute for brushing and flossing at the end of the day to keep teeth clean and cavity free.

For more info on Easter candy and dental health, visit www.deltadentalmi.com.

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