The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that children snack regularly throughout the day, every two to three hours. This is because they’re incredibly active and growing, and it ensures that their body is getting enough nutrients to sustain that! However, the foods that they eat can impact more than just their growth—they can also lead to an increased risk in cavities. By encouraging them to snack smarter, you can keep your household cavity-free as well as support their development.
Protein & Fiber-Rich Foods
Protein and fiber have a variety of oral and physical health benefits for children. Fiber is not only filling, helping sustain their energy level throughout the day, but it also aids in digestion, preventing constipation. Protein is also a necessity for the body, helping repair muscles and tissues, and also aiding in concentration, joint and bone growth, and increased immune response.
Some protein and fiber-rich snacks to keep on-hand for your child include:
- Trail mix that contains nuts and fruit
- Granola and oatmeal for breakfast
- Popcorn for movie nights
- Whole-grain pasta and bread
- Almond and peanut butter
- Wraps with lunch meat
- Chicken and egg salad sandwiches
- Beef jerky and meat sticks
- Hard-boiled eggs
Full-Fat Dairy Products
Oftentimes, full-fat foods are conflated as being “unhealthy,” however, that’s simply not true. Fat is a necessity for the body, providing children with short-term energy storage and encouraging growth and healthy development. In fact, cells in the body need fat to repair and sustain themselves, as their membranes are made of lipids! Fats are also essential in the production of hormones and absorption of vitamins. That’s why full-fat dairy products are excellent to have in the refrigerator at home for a quick snack.
In addition to their crucial natural fat content, dairy is high in calcium, which helps build and strengthen bones as well as the outermost protective layer of teeth, called the enamel, which guards against cavities. Here are some dairy snacks to pick up at your next grocery store run:
- Cheese sticks
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt
- Dairy smoothies
Fresh Produce & Fruit
Of course, no diet would be complete without fresh fruits and vegetables! Not only do these offer the body key nutrients and vitamins that help your child grow big and strong, but they also offer a natural preventive solution to plaque build-up. Fresh strawberries, carrots, apples, and celery can all help naturally brush away food debris from their teeth, keeping it from building up and hardening into tartar, which results in cavity formation.
About the Author
Dr. Sheh Vahid started Woodland Pediatric Dentistry with a vision and goal of offering practical, fun, and personalized dentistry for children. As the sole dentist and owner of the office, she sees every patient, offering a comforting and consistent style of care that both parents and little ones appreciate. She is a proud board-certified pediatric dentist, offering the specialized, knowledgeable care that every parent wants for their children! For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Woodland Pediatric Dentistry’s website or call 678-498-2878.