If you’re a parent, you’ve seen before your very own eyes just how much kids can eat! Since they’re growing, it’s completely normal for them to get hungry between meals. As a result, your little one may be snacking often throughout the day. For the sake of your child’s oral health, you should encourage them to munch on healthy snacks instead of cavity-causing foods. In this blog post, we’ll explain how cavities develop and share a list of snack ideas that will provide energy and nutrition for your child.
What Causes Cavities in Toddlers and Children?
Any time your child consumes carbohydrates and sugars, the bacterium in the mouth turns them into harmful acids. From there, the bacteria, acid, food particles, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth and causes decay. If left untreated, this process creates holes in the teeth called cavities. That’s why it’s incredibly important for your little one to practice good oral hygiene and follow a clean diet. It’ll keep their teeth cavity-free and shining bright!
Healthy Snack Substitutions
Aside from brushing and flossing, you can help your child preserve a healthy smile by making healthier snacking options more readily available. Here are some delicious and nutritious substitutions for cavity-causing foods that your kids will love:
Yogurt
This dairy product is an excellent snack choice because it’s a good source of protein and calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth. Additionally, yogurt contains live bacteria that are beneficial for the digestive system. Make sure you choose plain, full-fat, and sugar-free yogurt. If desired, it can be sweetened with fresh fruit!
Nuts
This nutritious and tasty snack is high in healthy fats, fibers, and antioxidants – all of which are important for children as they’re growing. Since nuts can be a choking hazard, make sure your child can handle the texture before offering them some. You can even use nuts to make trail mix, which is another healthy snack option for kids on the go. All you have to do is combine nuts, dried fruit, and whole-grain cereal in a small container.
Cheese
Cheese is mainly compromised of both protein and fat. It’s also a good source of calcium! Studies show that eating full-fat dairy foods can help children meet the nutritional requirements for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and D.
Smoothies
Do you want a small snack that packs a lot of nutrients? Make a fruit smoothie! Instead of using sugary fruit juices, use whole milk or almond milk as one of your ingredients. You can combine it with yogurt, fresh spinach, frozen berries, and honey to make a delicious and healthy treat!
As you can see, diet plays a crucial role in your child’s oral health. By offering your kids one of the above snacks, you can ensure their smile remains beautiful and cavity-free for as long as possible!
About the Practice
At LuxSmile Family Dentistry of Carrollton, we offer individually tailored and high-quality dental services for patients of all ages. Our team will do everything possible to make sure your little one’s smile grows happy and healthy. For more healthy substitutes for cavity-causing foods, visit our website or call (972) 698-5988.