Children tend to gravitate toward unhealthy snacks. They love candy, soda, potato chips — basically, everything that doctors and dentists say people should stay away from. Fortunately, there are some yummy alternatives that your kids can learn to love — snacks that will actually make their smiles healthier! What benefits can you and your little one reap if you nibble on tooth-friendly foods? Your family dentist in Peabody lists just a few.
Stronger Bones and Teeth
Calcium is one of the main components of teeth. Young bodies need lots of this mineral in order to thrive. Choose snacks that are rich in calcium to fortify your children’s chompers and promote their overall health. Yogurt and milk are both awesome choices, but try to choose varieties that aren’t loaded with sugar.
If your little one doesn’t handle lactose well, look for non-dairy foods that have lots of calcium. Soy products, almonds, kale, and broccoli all might do the trick. Also, while cheese is technically a dairy food, it is low in lactose, so you might give a bit to your child to see if they can tolerate it.
A Cleaner Mouth
Bacteria builds up in our mouths all day long, and the only thing we can do about it is have a great oral hygiene routine. Some of your kids’ favorite fruits and veggies can be part of that routine! Foods that are high in fiber, like carrots and celery, require a lot of chewing, and that chewing action increases saliva production, which rinses out the mouth. If your kids tend to stay away from veggies, make them more appealing with hummus or another tasty dip.
Apples are another mouth-cleaning food. Even though they’re high in sugar, their fiber content and texture make them good for oral health. Plus, kids love their sweetness so you won’t have any trouble getting your little one to bite into a juicy Fuji or Red Delicious apple. In fact, many fruits are good for teeth, but try to limit how much citrus your children eat. Oranges, Lemons, and similar fruits contain high levels of acid that can erode enamel.
Decreased Cravings
Everyone loves an unhealthy treat once in a while, but a constant craving for sugar-loaded snacks will wreak havoc on oral health. By focusing your family’s diet on wholesome foods, you can train everyone’s bodies to love and expect a balance, nutritious menu. Eventually, cravings for bad goodies will lessen. Your children’s teeth — and the rest of their bodies — will be healthier for it.
If your kids still can’t get enough sugar-loaded treats, set up a reward system that encourages them to make healthy choices. You might arrange a family outing or buy new toys for your young ones to let them know how happy you are that they’re munching on the good stuff.
Healthy snacks can have a big positive impact on your child’s smile, so consider adding more fruits, veggies, and calcium-rich foods to your grocery list. Your dentist in Peabody will be proud of you!
About the Dentist
Dr. Spiro Saati is your experienced, passionate family dentist in Peabody. If you have questions about how to take care of your children’s oral health, please contact our office at 978-531-2185.