The weeks before and after the Christmas are among the most "sweets" of the year: nougat, cookies, panettone, chocolate, candy, and holiday snacks often accompany children's days. A magical atmosphere, no doubt, but one that brings with it a real increase in the risk of tooth decay.
Frequent exposure to sugars, especially when it occurs several times a day and away from main meals, favors the proliferation of bacteria responsible for cariesIt's not just the amount of sweets consumed that affects tooth decay, but above all the frequency with which they are consumed and the length of time the sugars remain in contact with the teeth.
Precisely for this reason, the Christmas period represents an ideal occasion to talk about prevention: small daily precautions are enough to protect the smiles of the little ones. To delve deeper into this topic and receive practical advice, we interviewed the Dr. Alessia Polverino, also known as the children's dentist in Naples.
Doctor, why is there an increase in tooth decay in children after the Christmas holidays?
During the Christmas season, consumption of sweets and sugary drinks increases, often spread across many small snacks throughout the day. It's not just how much sugar you eat that matters, but how often you expose your teeth. Each intake promotes attack on the enamel. Furthermore, regular oral hygiene can easily become compromised during the holidays, creating ideal conditions for plaque formation and the development of cavities.
Are some sweets more harmful to your teeth than others?
Yes, sweets that stay on your teeth for a long time or are very sticky increase the risk of tooth decay because they allow bacteria to produce acids for longer. Gummy candies, soft nougat, and sucking sweets are among the riskiest. It's better to choose sweets like dark chocolate, which melts quickly and contains less sugar.
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After eating sweets, how and when is it best to brush children's teeth, and what products should you use?
It's advisable to wait about 20–30 minutes before brushing your teeth, to allow saliva to neutralize the acids and protect the enamel. While you're waiting, it's helpful to rinse your mouth with water. For daily hygiene, it's important to use an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste—a "grain of rice" for younger children and a "pea-sized" amount for older children—always under parental supervision.
Why is it important to take children to the dentist after the holidays, and what message would you like to leave parents?
A checkup after the Christmas holidays allows us to identify any early cavities, monitor oral hygiene, and resume good habits. Sweets are part of the holidays and shouldn't be demonized, but it's essential to limit their frequency, maintain daily hygiene, and schedule regular checkups to protect children's smiles.
In conclusion, the Christmas It remains a time of joy and sharing, but it also represents a time when it is important to pay extra attention to children's oral health. By adopting simple good daily habits and following the advice of dr Alessia Polverino, it is possible to enjoy the holidays in peace, indulging in sweets without risking the smiles of the little ones.
Luciano Carotenuto
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
This is an interesting article about sweets and children's teeth, but it seems to me that the fear of cavities is a bit exaggerated. Children should enjoy holidays and sweets without always thinking about their teeth. A visit to the dentist is important, but it shouldn't be scary.