Healthy Easter smiles

Take care of your teeth over the Easter break for a healthy smile year-round

Easter is synonymous with sweet treats, but the Australian Dental Association of WA (ADAWA) urges you to take care of your teeth to keep them healthy year-round.
Tooth decay is the single most common childhood disease. It is 5 times more common than asthma, 4 times more common than early-childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes.
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ADAWA President, Dr Amit Gurbuxani says there are some simple ways to take care of your family’s teeth this Easter.

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“Dark chocolate is a better choice than milk chocolate because it contains less sugar,” Dr Gurbuxani says. “It is also preferable over sticky lollies, which will stay on the teeth longer than chocolate.”
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Be smart with treats

‍No one wants to skip the treats completely but there are some smart things to do that will reduce the impact on your teeth. “Dark chocolate is a better choice than milk chocolate because it contains less sugar,” Dr Gurbuxani says. “It is also preferable over sticky lollies, which will stay on the teeth longer than chocolate.” He adds encouraging eating Easter treats at mealtimes is a good idea, as eating during mealtimes instead of snacking throughout the day, will reduce the time teeth are exposed to acid attacks from sugary treats.

Drink water

Don’t increase your family’s sugar exposure by serving soft drinks throughout the Easter break. “Sugary drinks are a bad choice for our teeth,” Dr Gurbuxani says. “Tap water is aways the best choice.”

Give some no-sugar Easter gifts

Who says all Easter gifts must be sugary? “There are some great no-sugar gifts that are still fun at Easter,” Dr Gurbuxani says. “Art and craft packs, books and games are lots of fun for kids and will keep them busy over the Easter break.”

Brush your teeth

“Cleaning your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste is important every day of the year,” he says. “It is also important to floss, either with floss or interdental brushes.”

See your dentist

Have you seen your dentist lately? “If you are due for a check-up, book an appointment with your trusted dentist,” Dr Gurbuxani says. “Visiting your dentist regularly will help keep your smile healthy.”

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