A lot of parents give their kids snacks throughout the day. Sometimes they just need a little something to hold them over until the next meal. When buying and preparing snacks for your children, it’s important to remember that what they eat affects their dental health.
6 Best Snacks to Prevent Cavities
Children don’t often brush their teeth after snacks at school or home, so foods and drinks they’re having should be friendly to the health of their teeth. To help parents, Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry is giving you six healthy smile snack ideas:
Cheese
It is low in sugar and high in calcium, crucial for maintaining bone density. Cheese contains a protein called casein, that helps protect tooth enamel.
Nuts
Different types of nuts offer several elements beneficial to strengthening teeth. For example, walnuts contain fiber, folic acid, magnesium, iron, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium and zinc.
Eggs
Eggs are surprisingly good for teeth as they contain vitamins D and K, and phosphorus. Phosphorus supports calcium in building strong teeth.
Raw Veggies
Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, offers tons of vitamin C and K. These vitamins are important for bone health and proper blood clotting. These veggies also serve as natural teeth cleaners!
Yogurt
Just like cheese, yogurt is high in calcium - great for tooth development. Yogurt also contains probiotics that act against cavity-producing bacteria. Make sure to choose a yogurt for your child that is not packed with sugar and additives, as these can be damaging to teeth,
Apples
Full of fiber, apples are beneficial to the body’s overall health. Apples also induce the production of saliva, which washes bacteria and prevents tooth decay.
Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry Reminders
Remember to give your child age appropriate foods. Foods should be cut up carefully for younger children to avoid choking hazards.
Children should drink water when thirsty and to rinse after meals and snacks. Water will help remove food particles from teeth and gums to prevent plaque and tooth decay.
If you have questions about safe snacks for your children, contact your local Charlotte pediatric dentist for more information!
