Do your kids crave starchy, sugary snacks and treats? While they may be delicious, these items are the things that harmful bacteria in the mouth love! Ultimately, your children’s teeth will begin to show it by developing tooth decay and even gingivitis. Coming up with new snacks that are nutritious, delicious, and tooth-healthy can be a big challenge, especially for children that are stubborn and set in their ways. Here are some tooth-healthy snack ideas that your family can try out!
Yogurt
This is an excellent snack because it is a great source of both protein and calcium. Calcium is needed for building strong bones and teeth. Yogurt also contains live bacteria that are beneficial for the digestive system. When picking out yogurt for your kids, avoid the colorful ones that are full of added sugar. Instead, pick a plain or vanilla full-fat yogurt without added sugar. To make them more fun a palatable, let your child add some of their favorite toppings. This could be anything from fresh fruit, granola, honey, chocolate chips, cereal, and more!
Ants on a Log
This one is especially fun for younger children. It helps to motivate them to eat their vegetables and has some sweet aspects to it. Simply spread some peanut butter inside their celery stalk and place a few raisins on top. This is a good balance of protein, carbs, fat, and fiber. Make sure that you choose peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugar.
Nuts
This nutritious snack is high in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. These are all important for children as they are growing. Some of the best nuts out there for oral health are almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews. Just mix up some of your kids’ favorites. You can season them with salt, ranch seasoning, or cheese powder.
Cheese
Cheese is made up of protein and fat. It is a great source of calcium. Full-fat dairy products help children to reach their nutritional requirements for magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. This makes a great after-school snack.
Smoothies
If you make them correctly, a fruit smoothie can be a great nutritional treat. For the liquid, use whole milk or almond milk. Stay away from fruit juice because they are high in sugar. Other great ingredients to add are yogurt, fresh spinach, and frozen berries. A little bit of honey can make a great sweetener.
Eggs
Eggs contain all sorts of necessary nutrients. They provide protein, vitamin B12, riboflavin, selenium, and much more. They also contain choline, a vitamin necessary for proper brain development. Egg yolks are a great source of vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy smile. A hard-boiled egg can make a great and easy protein-filled snack.
Carrot Sticks
This snack is great for teeth because they help to stimulate saliva production in the mouth. Having some carrot sticks and healthy dip, like hummus, is both beneficial and delicious. Other raw vegetables, like celery and broccoli, are also great options.
Instead of reaching for processed, carb-heavy foods, try serving your child some of these snacks. They will help to benefit their growing bodies and smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sheh Vahid earned her dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She completed her specialty training at the University of Michigan to become a board-certified pediatric dentist. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Georgie Dental Association, America Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit her website or call (678) 498-2878.