Between late-night family gatherings and holiday events in Irvine, December routines often get turned upside down. When kids fall asleep in the car on the drive home from a holiday party, tired parents may be tempted to carry them straight to bed without brushing their teeth. However, letting kids sleep all night with holiday sugars sitting on their teeth puts their smile at risk.
At Irvine Dental, we help busy parents protect their children’s smiles, even during chaotic holiday schedules. Here are three tips for late-night holiday routines.
Prepare Your Child for Bed Before Leaving the Party
If you know your child is likely to fall asleep in the car on the way home from a late holiday gathering, do a quick routine reset before you say goodbye! Quickly stop in the bathroom to brush and floss their teeth. That way, if they fall asleep on the drive home, you can carry them straight to bed without worrying about cavities.
Pack Travel Toothbrushes
Keep a small oral hygiene pouch in your car’s glove compartment or your handbag during the holiday season. With a toothbrush and paste on hand, you can do a quick 2-minute brushing session in a restaurant or event venue bathroom. Quickly clean their teeth after your child finishes their holiday dessert.
Never Let Kids Drift Off with a Sweet Drink
Holidays often mean loosening up on schedules or rules. However, “only water before bed” has to stay. If your child falls asleep with a sippy cup of apple cider or juice, sugars can pool around their teeth and feed mouth bacteria while they sleep.
Protect Your Child’s Smile Through the Holiday Rush
A little planning before holiday events helps ensure your child can enjoy the season while keeping their teeth safe. Prepare for the busy season ahead with a children’s teeth cleaning and exam at Irvine Dental.
Ready for a winter check-up in Irvine? Call Irvine Dental today at 949-551-2606 to schedule your child’s visit!
