15 Apr This One Easter Habit Could Save Your Kids’ Teeth
How to Enjoy Easter Chocolate Without Wrecking Your Kids’ Teeth
Expert dental tips from the Australian Dental Association to keep little smiles healthy this Easter
Easter Fun Doesn’t Have to Mean a Sugar Overload
Dentists aren’t here to take the fun out of Easter—they just want to help families enjoy the chocolate without the cavities.
While the Easter Bunny might bring a basket full of sweet treats, dental experts are reminding parents to keep an eye on sugar intake—especially with Aussie kids already facing significant rates of tooth decay.
“We don’t like to rabbit on about this too much because who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate now and then? But all things in moderation will see you through this time of choccy indulgence,” said Dr Chris Sanzaro, President of the Australian Dental Association (ADA).
Unfortunately, the stats show that:
-
34% of children aged 5–6 have experienced decay in their baby teeth
-
24% of kids aged 6–14 have decay in their adult teeth
-
And for adults, 32% over 15 have untreated decay, while nearly half (48%) consume too much free sugar
Simple Tips for a Cavity-Free Easter
According to the ADA, a few smart choices can go a long way to protect teeth without spoiling the celebration.
🦷 Time treats with meals – Save chocolate for mealtimes when saliva production is higher. This helps neutralise acids and clean the mouth naturally.
💧 Rinse with water – After enjoying chocolate, drink water to wash away sugar and help prevent bacteria from thriving.
🍫 Choose dark chocolate – It often contains up to 1/3 less sugar than milk chocolate.
🍓 Take a sugar break – Before and after Easter, scale back on sugary processed snacks like muesli bars and ‘healthy’ treats with hidden sugars.
🎁 Swap in non-edible gifts – Toys like skipping ropes, frisbees, or bat-and-ball sets are great additions to the Easter haul—and promote movement too!
🎨 Get crafty – Use decorated wooden or paper eggs for hunts, with maybe just one chocolate egg as the prize at the end.
“Observe these simple rules and kids big and small in your family won’t feel like they’re missing out,” said Dr Sanzaro.
And don’t forget the basics: brush twice a day, floss daily, eat well and visit the dentist regularly.
For trusted oral health advice and expert tips, hop over to teeth.org.au
