In a few weeks, your kids will be home for the summer. During that time, they’ll likely want to binge on their favorite snacks. While the occasional sugary treat is perfectly fine, a little too much can soon lead to decay and other oral health issues. Fortunately, there are plenty of smile healthy snack options out there.
Items That Pose a Risk
First, let’s talk about the obvious problematic snack foods, such as cakes or candies high in sugar. These leave particles behind for bacteria to break down, a process that leads to tooth decay. Soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks also contain quite a bit of sugar and even sports drinks can be dangerous, as they have a highly acidic content that can weaken tooth enamel.
Now, there are also snacks that on the surface may not seem so bad. For example, when kids eat goldfish and crackers they mix with the saliva, forming a sort of glue that sticks to the teeth and increases the risk of cavities. Dried fruits lack the water content that naturally rinses away sugar particles, making them a potential cavity risk as well.
Healthy Snack Alternatives
First, make sure your kids are drinking water, which helps cleanse the smile and contains no sugars or acids. For snacks, try offering fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruits contain water, which rinses away the sugar particles. Some veggies, such as broccoli, lettuce, and carrots, can actually help scrub away plaque as they’re consumed. Low-fat yogurt, cheese, and nuts also make smile-healthy snack options as well.
Schedule a Visit!
The summer is also a great time to schedule a visit without worrying about school or sport conflicts. We can take a look at your child’s smile and see if any treatment is necessary. We can also offer tips on brushing and flossing, as well as preventive procedure, to help them enjoy a cavity-free summer.
Do You Have Questions About Healthy Snacks?
We can offer tips on healthy snacks and maintaining healthy smiles from home. To schedule a consultation, call the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).
