When it comes to your kids, you know that great oral health is more than simply brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. What we eat has a huge impact on our dental health. So what are some good snacks that are not only healthy but good for your child’s teeth?
Teeth-Friendly Treats
It’s always good to eat a variety of foods to support good dental health, including whole grains, healthy proteins, dairy foods, fruits and vegetables are some of the staples in a healthy diet. But what about treats? Here are a few ideas of some healthy snack options for your child:
| • | Crunchy veggies with dip or hummus |
| • | Cheese cubes |
| • | Whole grain crackers with peanut butter |
| • | Low fat yogurt with berries |
| • | Coconut flakes mixed with unsalted nuts |
| • | Hummus with pita bread |
| • | Cream cheese with celery or on whole grain bread |
| • | Hard boiled eggs |
| • | Fresh fruit |
Many of these healthy options can help you keep your toddler’s snacking healthy and still fun! It’s also important to remember that frequent snacking can lead to increased amounts of bacteria in the mouth, so try to limit the number of snacks during the day and be sure that your child is drinking plenty of water after eating to help rinse the mouth.
Fruit juice may appeal to your toddler, but it’s full of sugar and should at the very least be watered down. As your child grows, it may become impossible to avoid sugary snacks at all times. If your child does have some candy, it’s best to have it all at once rather than spread it out through the entire day. This doesn’t mean eat all of the Halloween candy on November 1st, but it’s ok to have some. After a sugary snack, wait an hour and then have your child brush their teeth. If you’re not at home, try handing your child a small piece of cheese after a treat, this helps to neutralize the acid in the mouth. Call us any time to schedule your child’s next cleaning, we look forward to hearing from you!
