Kids love snack time. Having a little tasty treat between meals can provide a growing body with essential nutrients and help them have energy to remain engaged throughout the day. Unfortunately, many popular snack foods are full of added sugars, artificial ingredients, and refined flour that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Here are a few healthy alternatives to keep your child’s smile strong when snack time rolls around again.
Kids Are Nuts About Nuts
Nuts are a tasty, crunchy, nutritious, and all-natural treat. These scrumptious seeds are high in healthy fats as well as fiber and antioxidants. They are also low in sugar, so they won’t feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. While doctors may have previously recommended that children not have nuts for fear of an allergic reaction, new developments suggest that eating nuts at an early age actually prevents these allergies from developing. However, nuts can be a choking hazard for small children, so make sure your child is old enough to chew them properly before offering them.
Cheese, Please!
Cheese can be a great healthy snack because it is rich in protein and calcium and low in sugar and eating it and other dairy products is linked to a better diet overall. Full-fat dairy foods are rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and D, which are essential nutrients for a child’s growth. Cheese contains the kind of high-quality protein kids need to grow properly, and this protein can also help them feel full between meals.
Carrot Sticks and Hummus Are Crunchy and Flavorful
A tasty dip can make veggies easier for kids to enjoy, so carrot sticks and hummus make a great teeth-healthy snack. Carrots are crunchy, snappy, and fibrous, which means that they can help clean plaque and sugary residues away from the teeth during the chewing process. Hummus, on the other hand, comes in a variety of tasty flavors and is rich in fiber, folate, and antioxidants. Put the two together for a delicious snack or try hummus with other veggies like bell pepper.
A growing body needs a lot of fuel, and healthy snacks can play a huge role in your child getting all the nutrition they need. By steering your child clear of candy, chips, and sugary sodas, you can set them on the path to superior oral health for life.
About the Practice
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to have a team of three experienced pediatric dentists: Dr. Lucely Santillan, Dr. Adam Preece, and Dr. Alexander Shau. Thanks to their years of advanced training, they’re able to provide specialized treatments that are designed to meet the unique oral healthcare needs of kids. They can help diagnose bruxism in your child and will work with you to discover solutions for helping your little one stop grinding their teeth. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, they can be reached online or at (972) 364-7472.