Tips for Better Dental Health this Easter

VANCOUVER, April 17, 2014 /CNW/ - This Oral Health Month, the British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) has been sharing tips and resources through its Your Dental Health public education campaign to engage patients in their dental health. With the Easter break, children will have many sweets to choose from. Here are some easy things parents can do to lessen the health impact of Easter treats.

• Not all treats are the same. Some candy is less harmful to teeth than others. Choose chocolate over sticky or hard candies that linger in the mouth and/or chip or damage teeth.
  
  
• Save treats for mealtimes. Saliva levels are higher during a meal. Having sugary treats afterwards can lessen the time sugar stays on the teeth. Saliva helps to remove plaque and to neutralize the acid that leads to tooth decay.
  
  
• Rinse with water. Give your child a glass of water or ask them to rinse their mouth after eating sugary treats to wash away sugar.
  
  
• Everything in moderation. You don't have to deprive your child of special sweet treats to enjoy good dental health. Choose small portions, and encourage them to share with friends and family members.
  
  
• Brush, brush, brush. Holidays can be a great time to reinforce the importance of daily brushing – in the morning (after breakfast) and especially before sleep time. Also encourage them to brush their teeth after eating a sugary treat, when possible.
  
  
• Don't forget to floss! Reward your child with a non-sweet treat for making dental care part of their daily routine.

Join the Oral Health Month Challenge on Facebook/Your Dental Health
Dental disease is largely preventable—small changes can make a big difference to your oral health. Join the Oral Health Month Challenge and tell us what you're doing to improve your, or your family's, oral health for a chance to win an electric toothbrush and $200 Visa gift card!

For more oral health tips and full contest details, visit www.yourdentalhealth.ca or facebook.com/yourdentalhealth.  

About the British Columbia Dental Association:
The British Columbia Dental Association is the recognized voice of dentistry in this province, dedicated to serving the interests of its members and promoting oral health. There are over 3,000 practising dentists in BC.

SOURCE: British Columbia Dental Association

Susan Boyd, E: [email protected], T: 604 736 7202