Keeping Teeth healthy at Easter!

A Healthy Smile: Practical Tips for Parents This Easter

Easter is a time of joy and celebration, and for many families, it involves a generous amount of chocolate treats. While indulging in these sweet delights can be enjoyable, it’s essential to remember the impact that excessive sugar intake can have on your children’s oral health. In this blog post, we’ll provide practical advice for parents on how to maintain healthy teeth and manage sugar intake during the Easter season.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that both adults and children should limit their intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total daily caloric intake. Free sugars include all sugars added to foods and beverages, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices, and fruit juice concentrates. For an even greater health benefit, the WHO suggests reducing this number to below 5%. For a child on a 1,800-calorie diet, this equates to no more than 45 grams (or around 11 teaspoons) of sugar per day at the 10% level, and around 23 grams (or roughly six teaspoons) at the 5% level. By being mindful of your child’s sugar intake and providing healthier alternatives, you can help them maintain better overall health and prevent potential issues related to excessive sugar consumption, such as tooth decay, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

A Cadbury’s Creme Egg, contains approximately 26 grams (around 6.5 teaspoons) of sugar. This is a significant amount, especially for children, as it represents more than half of the World Health Organization’s recommended daily sugar intake of less than 10% of total daily calories. To maintain a balanced diet and protect your child’s oral health, it’s essential to limit the consumption of such sugary treats and encourage moderation during the Easter season.

Set limits on chocolate consumption

Instead of allowing your children to indulge in an unlimited amount of chocolate, set a reasonable limit to help control their sugar intake. Moderation is key, so consider allowing them one or two small treats a day during the Easter period. This will help them enjoy the festive season without overindulging in sugar.

Offer healthier alternatives

Incorporate healthier alternatives to chocolate in your Easter celebrations. You can get creative with fruit-based snacks or sugar-free candies, which are both delicious and better for your children’s teeth. This way, your kids will still enjoy tasty treats while reducing their overall sugar consumption.

Encourage regular brushing

Remind your children to brush their teeth at least twice a day, especially after consuming sugary treats. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste will help remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. Make sure your child is using a toothbrush with soft bristles and that they are brushing for at least two minutes each time.

Don't forget to floss

Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, as it helps remove food particles and plaque that can build up between teeth. Encourage your children to floss daily, ideally before bedtime, to ensure they’re removing any remaining chocolate or sugar from their teeth.

Rinse with water after consuming chocolate

Have your child rinse their mouth with water after eating chocolate to help wash away some of the sugar and prevent it from sticking to their teeth. This simple habit can make a significant difference in protecting their teeth from the harmful effects of sugar.

Schedule a dental check-up

Easter is an excellent time to schedule a dental check-up for your child. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor your child’s oral health, provide professional cleanings, and address any issues early on. If your child hasn’t had a check-up recently, consider making an appointment to ensure their teeth remain healthy.

Educate your children about oral health

Take this opportunity to educate your children about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and the impact of sugar on their teeth. By teaching them about the consequences of excessive sugar intake and the benefits of proper dental care, you can empower them to make better choices for their oral health.

This Easter, take the necessary steps to protect your children’s teeth and maintain a healthy smile. By setting limits on chocolate consumption, offering healthier alternatives, and encouraging good oral hygiene habits, you can ensure that your kids enjoy the festive season without compromising their oral health. Make it a memorable Easter with the right balance of fun and dental care!

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Gxxx Hunter

11:57 29 Jun 24

I'm a very nervous patient and the quality of care I received at Moria Cosmetic Dental was second to none (that's coming from a health professional). I had my tooth extracted and Derek was very gentle and talked through the entire process, keeping me calm and reassured. He even negotiated to get me fitted in before my holiday and the after care was exceptional. I can't recommend this place enough. The quality and professionalism was outstanding.

H Mitchell

09:32 26 Jun 24

Just had my 5th visit to Moira Cosmetic Dental. Derek and Naomi went above and beyond to bring me relief from an unsuccessful root canal carried out elsewhere and today I’ve had my 2nd crown fitted with them and am so pleased with the results. I am proof that Derek can put even the most nervous dental patient at ease, explaining every step thoroughly. Highly recommend Derek & his lovely team.

Jill Cordner

09:54 13 Apr 24

Fantastic, very professional dental practice! You have a warm welcome from you come through the door until you leave.

Catherine Dunlop

11:28 28 Mar 24

Recently my 7 year old daughter had a traumatic injury to her front tooth (her adult tooth). Being the first time she had ever had any dental treatment I was worried that it would make her nervous and afraid of the dentist but Derek and Naomi were fantastic. Honestly, I can't speak highly enough of how they calmly put both my daughter and her very anxious mummy at ease! Aesthectically Derek did a fantastic job on her tooth and the child felt no pain at all. She has absolutely no fears about going back to the dentist and I will be forever grateful!Thank you Derek and Naomi!

Laura Mairs

07:07 16 Mar 24

I recently had an excellent experience having an implant fitted in place of a tooth which was removed. Derek talked through all the options available, costings and processes from start to finish. Always listening to my questions and fears and putting me at ease. Extremely professional. Delighted with the implant now, I can smile again with confidence

Paul Reid

17:04 06 Mar 24

Derek and his team are friendly, competent professionals. I personally don't like attending the dentist, but the staff make the experience much more comfortable and pleasant than my anxiety levels anticipate. My hygienist Emma is thoughtful, kind and above all professional. She puts me at ease during my visit. I am thoroughly satisfied that I am receiving a very high standard of care, the team could not do more to put me at ease. I can recommend Moira Cosmetic Dental unreservedly.I recently needed to have a gold crown removed and wasn't just dreading it, I was petrified! Derek and his team talked me through the options available for sedation. They were extremely helpful, kind and supportive. On the day I was put at my ease, talked through what would happen and prepared me for the process. I didn't feel a thing, the whole event went off without incident and I was brought home afterwards. None of my fears were realised and the process was pain free. I received a checkup call a few days after treatment to hear how I was.I am so pleased with how my anxiety has been managed and my treatment taken care of. Derek and his team of angels are wonderful.

Paula McMaster

20:25 29 Feb 24

I had a great braces experience from start to finish, and I knew I was in the most capable hands. Derek was so patient and took time to answer all of my (many!!) questions. He took such care to ensure I have ended up with my dream smile. All staff at the practice are so friendly and professional. Thanks to all for all of your care and attention. I am thrilled with the results.

Zara Burns

16:54 15 Feb 24

Always such a nice experience, four months into my Invisalign journey and highly recommend, everything is happening as planned and staff are excellent!!

Estelle Healy

12:49 18 Dec 23

The best decision in 2023 was to join this dental practice. Outstanding patient care and next generation dentistry! The practice was recommended to me after an injury to my teeth which I thought was unfixable. Derek was able to repair the damage and do so much more to ensure good dental health and the best smile possible. The team is superb: dedicated to their work, always pressing forward with new techniques and can offer advice and treatments based on the best evidence and a wealth of experience. 5 star dentistry!!! 🌟

Helen Bradford

17:01 23 Sep 23

Best Dental Experience everI would highly recommend Moira Cosmetic Dental.Derek is efficient, professional and very skilled with a first class support Dental Team. I was made to feel at ease from start to finish. I am very pleased with the final results and couldn’t be happier.Thank you very much Derek,Nursing Staff and Emma the hygienist

Ruth Evans

10:08 04 Jul 23

The best team, never felt more comfortable in a dentist. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly great staff! Talked me through all my options and treatment, while getting the treatment they explained step by step what they were doing. Couldn’t be happier😃

Peter Williams

18:40 28 Apr 23

Very helpful, friendly and professional from receptionist to dental practitioner. Nothing is ever too much trouble and the level of customer service is a rare experience these days. On this occasion I attended Moira Cosmetic Dental for a review appointment following a problem with a crown that I had broken. The team took time to discuss the various options available to me and this helped me make the right decision for my course of treatment moving forward. I was given a detailed estimate of costs and further information on the treatments to be carried out. I cannot recommend this dental practice highly enough 5 stars all the way.

donald campbell

22:08 21 Apr 23

The thorough professionalism of Derek and his team is delivered with a friendly and reassuring gentleness. I am very happy with all of the work they have done for me over the years at Moira Cosmetic Dental.

15:52 18 Apr 23

Rosemary White

11:33 01 Apr 23

On my visit to Moira cosmetic dental, I was greeted by a very friendly receptionist who kindly took me to see Emma. Never have I ever had a treatment like the one I had with Emma...I've always dreaded going to the hygienist but I can honestly say I really didn't feel a thing.She was very thorough and explained everything very well.It's not often I'd say this but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit ☺️

Hannah Scott

12:33 31 Mar 23

I highly recommend Moira Cosmetic dental practice so much so that I travel from Coleraine each time I need the dentist or hygienist! Derek is my dentist and he always reassures me and explains what they are going to do before I get any work done. The hygienist team are very good too at explaining what I need to do to help prevent further damage to my teeth. All the staff are very friendly and professional. The practice itself is even decorated lovely so it never feels like I’m at the dentist and adds to the experience. If you’re looking for a dentist, definitely look no further!

Victoria White

23:06 30 Mar 23

Moira Cosmetic Dental is a fantastic practice. Experienced, knowledgeable and highly skilled clinicians who can take care of all your dental needs from routine check ups, necessary oral health hygienist appointments to implants and crowns. Professional, passionate and friendly staff, couldn't ask for better service from a great Team.

Thomas Martin

08:02 18 Mar 23

Happy to recommend Moira Cosmetic Dental. A very pleasant experience every time I get treatment, and the staff are so helpful and friendly. Derek is a brilliant Dentist and I always feel confident when I go to appointments.They pride themselves in professionalism and excellence and in my opinion they are at the top of their profession, hence the five stars!Keep up the good work and every success for the future.

Keeping Teeth healthy at Easter!

6th March 2023