It’s a shame that so many common snacks for kids, from Goldfish crackers to apple juice, are not good for their smiles. Good nutrition is an important part of their oral health. Keep your loved one’s teeth and gums in great shape by serving  them snacks that are good for your child’s smile. 

Of course, it’s also important to visit us for cleanings and exams every six months. If you need to schedule your youngster’s next appointment in Littleton, CO, call us now at 720-615-6087.

In the meantime, check out some of your dentist’s suggestions for teeth-friendly snacks:

  • Carrot or Celery Sticks – These are among the best snacks for your child’s teeth – and the rest of their body too. They contain lots of vitamins and fiber. Their crunchy texture and high water content act a lot like a natural “toothbrush” – helping to remove bits of food from their teeth. To make them even healthier (and more appealing to your kid), serve with hummus or peanut butter. 
  • Yogurt – Yogurt is packed with calcium that is good for kids’ developing teeth and bones. Unfortunately, yogurts that are marketed to children, are often quite high in sugar. It’s better to choose plain, high-fat yogurt. To sweeten it up, add berries or other fruit and drizzle lightly with honey.
  • String Cheese – Most kids love snacks that they can grab and go. Like yogurt, string cheese is high in teeth-building calcium. It also has a protein called casein. It helps prevent cavities and strengthens their tooth enamel. 
  • Fresh Fruit – When choosing fruit for your child’s snack, select ones that are relatively low in sugar and acids. For this reason, it’s a good idea to avoid citrus or just make it an occasional treat. Apples are good, because their high fiber content and thick skin help remove harmful substances from teeth. Crunching into them stimulates saliva, which is a great natural cavity fighter. Sliced pears with ricotta cheese is a great combination. The pears are less sugary than some other fruits and the ricotta adds a nice helping of calcium. 
  • Nuts and Popcorn – Chips, crackers, and pretzels are popular with kids. Unfortunately, they are also starchy foods. Starch turns into sugar in your child’s mouth, so it’s obviously not good for their teeth. Substitute nuts and popcorn for those snacks. They’ve got lots of fiber. Nuts have calcium and vitamin D, both of which are great for teeth. Make sure there aren’t any popcorn kernels that your child could bite down on. 

Do something good for your child’s smile! Serve them healthy foods and regularly visit Sprout and Bloom Pediatric Dentistry. To make your next appointment, call us today at 720-615-6087 or schedule one online.