Christmas holidays are very special days for children, full of magic and enthusiasm, but they are also days when the consumption of foods and drinks with a high sugar content increases, which can damage their teeth. So, we spoke with Dr Fran Guinot, head of the paediatric dentistry department of the UIC Barcelona Faculty of Dentistry, who gave us some tips to ensure the oral health of children while they are enjoying the festive season.

During the Christmas holidays, children usually eat more sweets. How can we protect their teeth and avoid problems like tooth decay?

The main advice we professionals give is to try to reduce the intake of sugar as much as possible, whether it is in the form of sweets or other food and drink with high sugar content. Over the Christmas holidays, we recommend not consuming this type of food continuously throughout the day. It is better to do it at specific times, such as after meals. In addition, it is essential to maintain very good dental hygiene at least twice a day and, whenever possible, use dental floss before going to bed to avoid the remains of food between teeth, limiting the appearance of cavities.

Which foods are the most harmful to children's teeth, and which are safer to consume during the holidays?

Beyond the consumption of typical Christmas sweets, you should also avoid the intake – or do so in small doses – of foods that contain a lot of hidden sugar such as biscuits, packaged fruit juices or carbonated drinks. Instead, nuts or dried fruit are healthy alternatives that can be safely eaten. In short, all those foods that we naturally find in the Mediterranean diet will always be the most recommended option.

Why is it essential to take care of children's oral health from the early years onwards?

The primary teeth of childhood are the basis of adult dentition, and this is why it is essential to take good care of oral health from childhood. Proper care of milk teeth until they fall out naturally will guarantee good development of the jaw and jaw bones, allowing enough space for adult teeth to grow. In addition, children are able to develop good nutrition according to their age without chewing problems if their teeth do not fall out ahead of time.

If oral health is not taken care of in the early years, children will have a higher risk of cavities and temporary tooth loss, thus increasing the chances of needing orthodontic braces later.

What are the most common mistakes parents make in caring for their children’s dental health and how can we prevent them?

The most common mistake among parents is to think that, since milk teeth are temporary, they will not cause problems and so there is no need to control sugar consumption. However, specialists know that it is absolutely necessary to take care of teeth from the day one to avoid problems in adult teeth.

Accordingly, paediatric dentists are aware that good dental hygiene habits are fundamental from when the first tooth appears, applying a correct brushing routine twice a day. It is especially important to go to sleep with clean teeth because while we sleep, salivary flow decreases and bacteria can more easily attack teeth, causing cavities.

How often would children have to visit the paediatric dentist, and what warning signs should parents pay more attention to?

Parents should try to ensure that children visit the dentist at least once before they are a year old. It is a preventive visit that can greatly help parents take care of children's oral health. The paediatric dentist will give them advice on hygiene habits, feeding and breastfeeding, bottle nipples, dummies, and which toothbrush and paste are most suitable for each age.

During these regular visits we also help parents detect warning signs such as changes in tooth colour, which may indicate the presence of cavities, enamel problems or developmental problems. This way we can take the appropriate measures for each case.

With the aim of sharing this advice with the public, raising awareness and promoting good oral health, the UIC Barcelona Faculty of Dentistry will be present once again at the Three Kings Parade of Sant Cugat del Vallès.

With an initiative promoted by Cugat Mèdia, this message will be delivered to adults and children in a playful and educational way by handing out cloth bags to collect sweets during the parade. Inside the bags, children will find an informative brochure with tips and recommendations from paediatric dentists of the University Clinic of Dentistry of the Faculty, as well as a brushing calendar and an hourglass that will help them brush their teeth for the recommended amount of time.

Photo: ©Bizon