Your Kiddos’ Grins: How To Avoid Frantic Feelings On Valentine’s Day

Posted February 4, 2019

Yep, we know it: Valentine’s Day will be here shortly, which means just about everyone is going to be indulging their sweet tooths and going full-force into what you may only be able to think of as a sugary oblivion. When you have kids, of course, any feelings of being overwhelmed by this potential oral health disaster only multiplies because it can certainly get in the way of your usual plans for keeping your kids’ smiles on track. The good news? You can choose to delight in the fun instead of fueling the frantic feelings that show up. The even better news? Our Dallas, TX team can help you with that!

Remember That It’s Just One School Day

We get it. You’re sending your kids off to school to trade Valentines with one another, to potentially attend a Valentine’s Day party in class, and to head to lunch. All of these details may mean only one thing to you when you think about them: Your kids are not going to be under your watchful eye and you won’t be able to hand them a glass of water to rinse with. In the meantime, their little smiles will probably be coated in sugar, as the bacteria in their mouths have a heyday! No, this isn’t ideal. However, it’s okay. Send a bottle of water with lunch, remind them to rinse, and just smile (and remember when you were a kid). Also, remember that when we eat, we salivate, which helps rinse teeth clean, so all oral health hope is not lost! Plus, when they get home, you can have them rinse and even brush.

Don’t Contribute To The Sugar Rush

So, we’ve determined that you can most certainly play it cool and let your kids enjoy themselves. You don’t really even have to feel responsible for it because all of that sugar consumption will happen during school hours! Here’s where we can help you out even more in regard to cavity prevention and feeling more relaxed about your family’s oral health: We remind you that you don’t have to contribute to the sugar overload. Before school and after, make it your mission to provide Valentine’s Day fun that is free of sugar! It’s easier than you might think and includes just about anything. Some tips might help:

• Plan some arts and crafts that you can work on with the kids to celebrate the holiday
• Rent a holiday-themed movie!
• Arrange your child’s breakfast or dinner meal into the shape of a heart
• Enjoy sweets that contain xylitol instead of table sugar
• Choose natural sweets, such as fruit, rather than candy

Let Us Offer Valentine’s Day Tips

When you’re feeling uneasy about how to best protect your children’s smiles in unique situations, such as during holidays, don’t forget that we will be happy to offer guidance during visits. Just ask! 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.