Smile Protection: How To Manage Sweets This Time Of Year

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Is there any time of year when your kids aren’t feeling super interested in sweets? Not really. However, it is fair to say that as the colder weather and holidays begin to approach, we are faced with what feels like an enormous onslaught of all-things-sugary-all-the-time. What makes this the case, you ask yourself in reflection? Well, candy and pastries are feel-good treats and end up at the center of the holidays. They are snacks shared in the classroom, frequent gifts, part of holiday meals, time-honored traditions (Halloween, for instance), and there seems to be no end in sight. So, how to manage from now through Valentine’s Day, as you continue considering smile protection, without totally taking sweet treats away from the kiddos? Our Dallas, TX team has a very simple answer: Add xylitol into the mix!

Consider Xylitol Most Days, Sugar On Holidays

Let’s talk about the reality of these sugar-filled seasons. You cannot exactly instruct everyone around you on the ingredients you’d like for them to include in the foods that they offer. So, whether your child is offered a brownie at school or your child’s grandparents serve pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner, you may find that you choose to be okay with some amount of sugar. How to balance this out, you ask yourself? Our team reminds you that in an effort to avoid tooth decay, etc., you may want to personally choose treats sweetened with xylitol when you are the one baking, purchasing food, etc. The result? Sugar exposure is greatly limited.

Remember The Major Benefits Of Xylitol

You may assume that xylitol is just a little bit better for your child’s smile than sugar and, as a result, may simply stick with table sugar. But wait! We would like for you to remember what makes selecting this type of sweetener over others such a wonderful plan! Review some of the details with us, so you can choose this option throughout the holidays with a big smile on your face:

  • It’s a natural sweetener, so you don’t have to feel guilty swapping table sugar for an artificial sweetening source
  • It won’t harm your child’s (or your) smile health, so you may simply relax and enjoy
  • Xylitol may be beneficial in preventing bacteria from sticking to dental surfaces (which is where they cause problems like tooth decay), so this is one very exciting added benefit!

Ask Us Smile Protection Questions When They Arise

Don’t feel shy about asking questions with answers that will protect your child’s smile. If you’re curious about nutrition, managing sugar intake, etc., we will be happy to help! Schedule a visit with your Dallas, TX children’s dentist, Dr. Marr at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda by calling 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.

filed under: Nutrition, Tips/Advice