Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? The holiday season has always held a special place in the hearts of Filipinos everywhere. Affectionately known as the "ber" months, Filipinos celebrate the holidays with a flurry of family get-togethers and feast-filled parties as early as September. As the most wonderful time of the year approaches and the festivities begin, most people's diets shift because kids and kids at heart will be able to find it impossible to resist delicious treats and spreads especially prepared for the season.

Children can get too excited with all the tasty treats, sugary drinks, and sweet desserts. Parents and guardians need more reasons to manage their kids’ oral health while they enjoy the festivities of the holiday season. Here are five easy tips from leading oral health brand Colgate to help parents and guardians this Christmas.

Limit your sugar intake

Family reunions and social gatherings are just a few of the occasions that take place over the holidays. More often than not, you’ll find your child binging on an excess of sweets throughout the day. This behavior can greatly increase the risk of developing cavities, so make sure to keep their sugar intake regulated to the dinner table.

Explore healthier alternatives

Too much sugar consumption damages tooth enamel, resulting in cavities and tooth decay. But is there another way to cut back on the sugar we eat during the holidays?

By using low sugar alternatives such as fruits, nuts, or cheese in our sweets, we can increase the nutritional value and lessen the acid on your child's teeth. The Philippines is famous for it’s fresh, tropical fruits, such as mangoes, pineapples, bananas, and oranges—and they’re perfect for any occasion.

Always remember to drink water

During the holiday season, kids can often forget to drink water and run the risk of feeling tired and dehydrated. It’s important to remind them to prioritize drinking water. This will rinse any excess sugar and food residue from their teeth and help prevent cavities.

Try some chocolate-covered fruits

Liven up the holiday season with a fun bonding activity with your kids: making chocolate-covered fruits. Melting organic dark chocolate and combining them with delicious fruits like strawberries, is a great way to introduce them to a healthier way to satisfy their sweet tooth. Strawberries are one of the healthiest fruits, as they are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Dark chocolate also contains less sugar than milk chocolate.

Don’t forget to brush your teeth

Oral health should never be ignored just because it is the holiday season. It’s a good idea for your kids to practice good oral health habits, such as tooth brushing at least two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste like Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, especially after meals. This helps to lessen their risk of developing tooth decay by removing the sugar and bacteria from all of the sweets and desserts that can be consumed.

These tips aim to ensure that families enjoy a delightful holiday season while fostering healthy habits. As we bid farewell to this year, let’s embrace the festive cheer and look towards 2024 with optimism, hoping for bright and healthy smiles for everyone.

From all of us at Colgate, we wish you happy holidays!