No matter how much we may try to avoid it, snacking has become a part of our everyday lives, especially for children. You may even be in charge of the snacks from time to time at school or at your child’s sporting events. Keeping your children’s snacks healthy not only strengthens their bodies, did you know that it’s also good for their oral health? Here are some tips and ideas for some healthy snacks for kids from your children’s dentist in Amherst.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Oral Health
We know that eating fruits and vegetables is good for our bodies and our overall health, but how is it good for our oral health? Fruits and veggies actually neutralize the acids in your mouth that erode your enamel and cause cavities. They also increase saliva flow, which helps to wash away the food debris that can cause plaque build up and tooth decay.
Snacks such as potato chips and breads that are heavily filled with carbohydrates tend to stick in the grooves of your teeth. Carbohydrates convert to sugar, which fuels the acids that cause tooth decay. Drinking sugary sodas and sports drinks also bathes your teeth in sugar and acid.
Healthy Snack Ideas
Coming up with creative ways to present fruits and vegetables to your children will help keep snacks more fun and interesting. For example, freezing fruits such as grapes or watermelon makes it seem more like a frozen treat or popsicle, rather than just a piece of fruit. Presenting fruits and veggies in interesting ways may also encourage your child to try new things they may have avoided in the past.
Fruit smoothies are also a great way to combine fruits and veggies that your child may not even notice are included. Try combining bananas, spinach and mangoes; or strawberries, blueberries and kale. Involving your child in the process of making their smoothie or snack will also help them to feel more excited about tasting it.
Serving vegetables with dips such as yogurt, hummus, or ranch dressing can make eating veggies more tasty, fun, and exciting. Have your child help create their favorite dip so they will be excited about dipping and eating their veggies.
At DeMaio Orthodontics, our specialty is in creating happy and healthy smiles! Straightening your child’s teeth makes them easier to take care of and keep clean, which helps to set them up for optimum oral health for a lifetime. We’re glad to be your partners helping your child achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.