Dental tips for children are important this time of year. As Halloween may not be first the major show, and fall treats alone steal the spotlight! Before we share those tips to help your kids care for their teeth during this time of year, we will share some of the treats we\’ve come across.
The first treat comes from \”15 Fabulous Fall Treats That Aren\’t a Mouthful of Pumpkin Spice,\” so you don\’t necessarily have to be a fan of the pumpkin flavor that seems to be all the rage. Full articles listed later.
Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp: \”You\’re going to want to serve this crisp while it\’s warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.\”
![\"Oatmeal](\"https://wilhiteplanodentist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pexels-maria-lindsey-multimedia-creator-1536365-300x200.jpg\")
The next recipe is something a little different… what do you think of Sweet Potato Snicker Doodles?!
![\"Sweet](\"https://wilhiteplanodentist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/vegetable-3559112_640-300x169.jpg\")
Our last recipe comes from a hearty list, \”40 of Our Best Fall Desserts,\” Chai Cupcakes. \”You’ll get a double dose of the spicy blend that’s frequently used to flavor tea in these moist single-size cakes. Both the cupcake and frosting use the blend, which combines some of the best flavors of the season.\”
![\"Chai](\"https://wilhiteplanodentist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cupcake-baked-cupcake-beside-yellow-and-orange-flowers-dessert-dessert-image-300x200.jpg\")
In order to help, we’re going to share some holiday dental tips for kids provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Read the tips below to keep your kids healthy.
- The AAPDS recommends that a child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist should be by the AGE OF ONE or when the FIRST TOOTH APPEARS. Regular check-ups should occur every SIX MONTHS.
- Parents should help their children brush their teeth TWICE DAILY – after breakfast and before bedtime are ideal. It’s recommended that parents/caregivers supervise the brushing for school-age children until they are 7 to 8 years of age.
- The BEST TOOTHBRUSHES for children have soft, round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. The handle should be proportionate to the size of the child’s hand.
- Parents can begin FLOSSING for their children when two teeth are touching. Children can begin flossing on their own around age 7.
- Look for FLOURIDE TOOTHPASTE with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
- Sugary candy, food, and drinks are part of the holidays. With this, the risk of cavities and poor dental health also increases. Parents should try to moderate sugar intake, and WATCH OUT FOR CARBONATED DRINKS, which actually erode teeth more than sweetened drinks.
- Keep an eye on on snacking – ideally, children should have NO MORE THAN THREE SNACK TIMES a day.
- COOKED STARCHES CAN LEAD TO CAVITIES just as sugars can. In fact, cooked starches such as bread, crackers, pasta, pretzels and potato chips frequently take longer to clear the mouth than sugars.
- LIMIT SUGAR INTAKE by checking labels and buying sugar-free varieties of food options, if available.
- CHEESES such as aged cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack are great as a snack or to eat after a meal because they clear the mouth of food and neutralize the acids that attack teeth.
- This story originally appeared on The Mouth Monsters
Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp Recipe
Sweet Potato Snicker Doodle Recipe
Chai Cupcakes Recipe
