While Valentine’s Day might be filled with joy, sugary treats can lead to dental troubles for kids if caution isn’t taken. That could mean you spend the holiday seeking care from our emergency pediatric dentist.
At Kirkland Kids Dentistry, we understand how easy it is for young ones to get caught up in holiday festivities, so we’ve outlined five common Valentine’s Day dental mishaps and how you, as a parent, can prevent them. Read on to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy during the season of sweetness.
1. Overindulging in Sugary Treats
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with chocolate and candy, which often results in kids consuming excessive sugar. This can increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay as sugar fuels bacteria in the mouth, producing acids that attack tooth enamel.
Tip
Limit your child’s candy intake by offering healthier alternatives like fruit or yogurt-covered treats. If they do indulge, encourage them to rinse their mouths with water or brush 30 minutes after eating to remove sticky sugars.
Fun Fact
The sugar rush is largely a myth—most children don’t become more hyperactive after eating candy. What isn’t mythical is the effect of sugar on teeth. This just goes to show that health dangers can be sneakier than you think.
2. Biting into Hard Candies
Heart-shaped lollipops and rock candies may look tempting but can spell trouble for your child’s teeth. Biting into these hard candies can cause cracks or chips, requiring a visit to our emergency pediatric dentist for restorative dentistry.
Tip
Teach your child to savor hard candies rather than biting them. Better yet, swap them out for softer, safer options like melt-in-the-mouth chocolates.
Fun Fact
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, actually has health benefits, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, from reducing stress to helping with immunity.
3. Sticky Candies that Linger
Gummy bears, caramels, and toffees are Valentine’s Day favorites, but their stickiness makes them especially harmful. Sticky candies cling to teeth and are harder to clean off, leading to prolonged exposure to sugar and increased cavity risk.
Tip
Reduce or avoid sticky treats altogether and encourage your child to chew sugar-free gum after eating to help cleanse their teeth naturally by stimulating saliva production.
Fun Fact
It isn’t just about avoiding lingering candies. How often your child is exposed to sugar matters as well. Head Start suggests limiting sweets to certain times rather than allowing snacking throughout the day. This can limit the amount of acid attacks the teeth experience from bacteria fueled by sugar.
4. Neglecting Proper Oral Hygiene During the Festivities
With all the excitement around Valentine’s Day parties and events, maintaining regular brushing and flossing routines might get overlooked. This can lead to plaque buildup, which increases the risk of gum disease and other dental issues.
Tip
Set a reminder for your child to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes, even amidst the fun. Make it festive by incorporating a Valentine-themed timer or playing their favorite song during brushing.
Fun Fact
Flossing shouldn’t be considered an optional or extra aspect of your family’s dental routine but part of the main event. This step does more than you may realize. One study reports that flossing could remove up to 80% of plaque from between teeth! Make sure to incorporate flossing into your child’s oral hygiene routine.
5. Ignoring Dental Emergencies
From biting into a hidden nut in a chocolate bar to a sudden toothache from sugary indulgence, accidents happen. Ignoring a dental issue can turn a minor mishap into a major problem.
Tip
If your child experiences a dental emergency, don’t wait. Contact our emergency pediatric dentist immediately for care. For peace of mind, save our contact number in your phone: (425) 441-3311.
Fun Fact
The masseter muscles, which control chewing, can exert anywhere from 55 pounds to 200 pounds of force. No wonder teeth can crack under pressure when you bite into something wrong!
Prevent Emergencies Before They Happen
We would love for you not to have to see our emergency pediatric dentist. That’s why we offer preventative dentistry at Kirkland Kids Dentistry. We can coat cavity-prone molars in dental sealants to create a protective layer that repels food particles and bacteria. Even early decay can be reversed with fluoride treatments. Ask us about how we can protect your child’s smile, both for the holiday and for years to come.
Fun Fact
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants offer protection for over 2 years and can prevent 80% of cavities.
Keep Your Child’s Smile Happy This Valentine’s Day
February 14 doesn’t have to be a challenge for your child’s dental health. By avoiding these common mishaps and encouraging good oral hygiene, you can make sure the holiday remains all about smiles and joy.
If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth or if something does happen and you need our emergency pediatric dentist, contact Kirkland Kids Dentistry right away: (425) 441-3311.