Parents in Brunswick know how challenging it is to maintain routine over the holidays—especially when school is out, meals are irregular, and sugary snacks are everywhere. But just because it’s a break from class doesn’t mean it should be a break from brushing.

At Hendricks Family Dentistry, we understand how important it is to keep kids’ oral health on track, especially during high-risk times like the holiday season. As a trusted provider of pediatric and family dentistry in Brunswick, we’re here to support parents with practical tips to help your child start the new year cavity-free.

The Sweetest Danger: Managing Holiday Treats

From stocking stuffers to holiday dessert tables, sugar is everywhere—and it’s one of the biggest culprits in seasonal tooth decay.

Sugar Exposure: Timing Matters

Constant snacking—especially on sticky or sugary treats—can do more damage than one dessert after dinner. Every time your child sips juice or sucks on a hard candy, it restarts the acid attack cycle in their mouth. That means more bacteria, more plaque, and a higher risk of cavities.

Sticky Treats and Dental Damage

Caramel, taffy, and other chewy sweets can pull out fillings or sealants, or even chip teeth that are already vulnerable. It’s a small risk that turns into a big emergency when dental offices are closed or schedules are packed.

The Holiday Solution

Encourage brushing right after sugary indulgences, and schedule a professional dental cleaning and exam once school resumes. For extra protection, consider dental sealants, which help guard the chewing surfaces of molars from sugar-loving bacteria.

The Travel Toolkit: Brushing on the Go

Even if your family is heading out of town or hosting guests this year, keeping your child’s oral hygiene intact is all about being prepared.

Packing Essentials

Make a small travel dental kit for your child that includes a soft toothbrush, travel-sized fluoride toothpaste, and flossers. Keep it in their suitcase—or your purse or car—so there’s no excuse to skip.

The Bedtime Rule

The most important brushing session of the day is right before bed. No matter how tired or time-zoned your child may be, that final brush clears away all the day’s sugars and bacteria before sleep. Consistency here goes a long way in preventing holiday cavities.

Fluoride Reminder

This is also a high-risk time for enamel weakening, so keeping up with fluoride exposure—through toothpaste and water—is essential. A quick reminder from you each day can make all the difference.

At Hendricks Family Dentistry, we make caring for your child’s smile easy. We see children of all ages and offer appointment blocks that allow you to book the whole family together, saving Brunswick parents valuable time.

Technology for Tiny Teeth: High-Tech Comfort

We know that going to the dentist can be intimidating for kids—but with the right tools and team, it becomes something they can actually enjoy.

Digital X-Rays

Our digital X-rays are safer and faster, exposing your child to minimal radiation while producing clear, detailed images that help us catch problems early.

Intraoral Cameras

Our intraoral cameras let your child see what we see, turning dental visits into an interactive experience. It’s a fun way to help kids take ownership of their oral health.

One Visit for Everyone

Through our family dentistry services, we make it easy to book appointments for parents and children at the same time. Whether it’s Mom’s cleaning or your toddler’s first check-up, we’re ready to help.

The Return to Routine: Scheduling the New Year Check-up

After the holiday break, many kids return to school with a few more cavities than they had in December. The best way to reset? A fresh start with a January or February exam.

Booking early helps you catch problems before they become urgent and sets your child up for a healthy start to the new year. With appointments starting as early as 7:00 am, busy Brunswick parents can fit in care before school and work even begin.

Make Sure Your Child Starts the New Year Cavity-Free

At Hendricks Family Dentistry, we’re proud to be a trusted part of your child’s oral health journey. Our compassionate, high-tech approach to pediatric and family dentistry helps make dental visits comfortable, informative, and even fun.

Brunswick families, schedule your children’s next exam today by calling (330) 225-1433 or visit our Contact page to request an appointment online.