Between gingerbread houses, candy canes, and sweet holiday surprises tucked into stockings, it’s no secret that kids are surrounded by sugary temptations during the holidays. At Growing Smiles Pediatric and Family Dentistry, with locations in Voorhees, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel, NJ, we understand the excitement and joy that come with holiday treats — and we’re here to help you navigate it all without sending your child’s smile into sugar overload.
Here are practical, parent-approved tips to help your kids enjoy holiday sweets without racking up cavities.
Choose Treats Wisely
Not all candy is equally harmful to teeth. Some treats linger longer and feed cavity-causing bacteria more easily. Sticky candies like caramels, taffy, and gummy bears tend to cling to teeth, giving sugar-loving bacteria more time to do damage. Hard candies that dissolve slowly also extend sugar exposure.
Better choices? Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) melts quickly and washes off teeth more easily. Sugar-free gum with xylitol can even help neutralize acids in the mouth.
Keep Treats with Meals
Instead of grazing on sweets throughout the day, encourage your child to enjoy them during or right after a meal. Saliva production increases when we eat, which helps rinse away food particles and buffer acid. Timing treats with meals reduces how long sugar sits on the teeth and can make a big difference.
Don’t Forget to Rinse or Brush
After indulging in candy, encourage kids to rinse with water or brush their teeth within 30 minutes. Rinsing is especially helpful if you’re not home or brushing isn’t practical. Brushing before bed is essential every night, but during the holidays, it might help to add an extra daytime brush if sweet treats are more frequent.
Keep the Routine — Even During Break
Holiday excitement and travel can throw off regular routines, but keeping up with daily brushing and flossing is more important than ever when sugar intake is up. Make brushing a part of the fun by letting kids pick a holiday-themed toothbrush or toothpaste. A quick two-minute brush twice a day is one of the best defenses against cavities.
Consider Timing and Quantity
Rather than trying to avoid sweets entirely (which rarely works), set some simple ground rules. For example: one treat after lunch and one after dinner. Avoid giving sweets right before bed or in the middle of the night. The goal is to create balance and limit frequency rather than causing stress or guilt.
Schedule a Post-Holiday Checkup
The start of the new year is a great time to get a dental checkup on the calendar. If it’s been a while since your child’s last visit, call us at Growing Smiles Pediatric and Family Dentistry. A quick cleaning and exam will help ensure that the holiday fun didn’t leave any sugar-related souvenirs behind.
Holiday Candy Tips from Growing Smiles Pediatric and Family Dentistry in Voorhees, Cherry Hill & Mount Laurel, NJ
At Growing Smiles Pediatric and Family Dentistry, we want your kids to enjoy the holidays — candy included — while keeping their smiles cavity-free. With a few smart habits and a little planning, it’s totally possible to strike that sweet spot between fun and healthy.
If you’re due for a visit or want to start the year off right, schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Voorhees, Cherry Hill, or Mount Laurel today!