Over the years, Easter has become irrevocably connected with sweet treats, but this holiday doesn’t have to be this way. Although the stores would like us to believe otherwise, Easter is about far more than merely chocolate. While it is almost inevitable that you and your family will indulge at least a little over this holiday, it is worth concentrating on other, family-oriented activities that don’t involve the sweet stuff.

Doing Something Different at Easter
Easter can be an excellent opportunity to spend some time with your children doing other activities. For example, there are lots of craft projects online for creating Easter baskets, bonnets or bunny ears. On a rainy day, grab an Easter oriented book to read with your kids and learn about the Easter bunny and spring together. Alternatively, look for Easter-themed recipes and get cooking as a family. There are plenty around that aren’t chocolate-oriented! If the weather is nice, check for activities and festivities locally in the community as there is bound to be plenty going on.

Enjoying Chocolate in Moderation
Of course, it is likely that you and your family will enjoy some chocolate or other sweet treats. However, with some advance planning, you can ensure there isn’t too much damage to your dental health, reducing the risk of getting tooth decay in Whitby. Start by asking your children if they would like something other than chocolate. Perhaps they are saving up for a new toy, or you could offer them a family day out or another special outing. If your children would prefer gifts that aren’t edible, have a word with relatives and friends who would usually give them chocolate. When they do want something sweet, introduce a specific ‘treat time’ rather than allowing them to snack on candy right throughout the day. Ideally, it’s best when candy is eaten as part of a main meal as the damage to teeth is minimized and here is why.

Why Does Sugar Cause Tooth Decay?
Whenever you eat something sweet, sticky or high in carbohydrates such as cookies or chips, the residue left on your teeth provides valuable fuel for bacteria in your mouth. As a ‘thank you,’ these bacteria produce acid that weakens your tooth enamel making it softer than usual and which is called acid erosion. Repeated exposure to acid eventually causes cavities, which is why eating candy as part of a main meal is a preferable option as your mouth is already more acidic after eating.

What to Do after Eating Chocolate
Once they have finished their chocolate, encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water which will help to remove any loose particles of sugar. Rather than brushing their teeth immediately, make sure your kid waits around an hour before cleaning their teeth. Initially, tooth enamel is softer until acidity levels in the mouth begin to reduce. As acidity levels normalize, tooth enamel gradually re-hardens because some of the minerals removed by the acid are deposited back into the tooth surface. It’s a process called demineralization and remineralization. Brushing your teeth while tooth enamel is softer is more likely to damage it.

Reducing the Risk of Tooth Decay in Ajax Year-Round
We only celebrate Easter for a few days each year, but sugary treats are easy to find year-round. This is where great preventative dental care in Oshawa can help considerably. If it’s been a while since you visited Margolian Dentistry, why not book a checkup and clean? Ongoing dental care is the easiest way to make sure small cavities are detected and treated early on, helping to ensure your family’s smiles remain healthy year-round.