Easter Basket Alternatives: Balancing Fun and Dental Health

The Easter Bunny is getting ready to pay many of our little patients a visit, filling Easter Baskets with treats shaped like bunnies, chicks, and eggs. While these seasonal candies are very popular with the kids, we encourage parents to consider a balance between candy and fun basket filler alternatives. In the long run, it can save you an extra trip to the office.

At North Orange Family Dentistry, we want to provide our kids with a clean bill of dental health on each visit, and the best way to do that is through continued education, healthy recommendations, and establishing a balance of good habits.  Arming parents with information is just one way we do that.

For instance, the type of candy you choose matters.  Some types of Easter candy may be worse for your teeth than others.

Sticky and chewy candies, such as caramel-filled chocolate eggs or jellybeans, tend to stick to the teeth and prolong exposure to sugar, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Hard candies, such as candy-coated chocolate eggs or lollipops, take longer to dissolve in your mouth and can also contribute to tooth decay.  Don't forget those sour candies, like sour patch kids or sour jellybeans, which contain high levels of citric acid that can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. 

The amount of sugar can vary between different brands and types of Easter candy, but in general, the candy with the most sugar tends to be the ones that are primarily made of sugar, such as jellybeans and Peeps. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a 14-gram serving of jellybeans contains around 10 grams of sugar, while a serving of Peeps (4 Peeps) contains around 26 grams of sugar. 

All this information is just a friendly reminder for kids to brush their teeth and rinse their mouths with water after eating Easter candy to remove leftover sugar and acid from teeth. Enjoying candy in moderation and maintaining a balanced diet for overall dental health is always important.  

If you are looking for some alternatives to Easter candy for those Easter baskets, here are a few ideas from us at North Orange Family Dentistry:   

• Small toys such as stuffed animals, action figures, or puzzles.
• Art Supplies such as crayons, markers, stickers, and coloring books.
• Books suitable for a child's age and interests.
• Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, jump ropes, or a frisbee encourage kids to go outside and play.
• Stickers, temporary tattoos, or small trinkets such as keychains or small plush toys.
• Gift Cards: For older kids, you could include a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant. 

Including non-candy items in the basket can make the holiday fun and exciting while promoting healthy habits! 

Happy Easter from all of us at North Orange Family Dentistry!