Dentist Approved Snacks for Kids

Kids will always be on the lookout for anything that can satiate their sweet tooth. More often than not, those treats tend to be hard on their teeth and can have long lasting negative effects. To help combat this problem without depriving them of their favourite treats, here are some “dentist-approved” snacks that can keep both your child and your dentist smiling!

Fruits

Sliced watermelon is packed with vitamins and nutrients and tastes amazing. It’s a perfect choice for a treat on a warm spring day. Sliced apples are also highly nutritious and have the added benefit of giving teeth a good scrub as they’re being chewed. Apples and other hard fruits can help clear out plaque and bacterial buildups. If you’re someone who enjoys oranges, avoid brushing your teeth right after consuming them, as the residual acids can cause damage. Instead, wait a little while or take a swish of water to give your mouth a quick rinse.

Vegetables

Everyone knows that they should eat their vegetables, but this goes doubly true for small teeth! Aim for crunchy vegetables like broccoli or carrots to help give teeth a scrub, and incorporate lots of dark leafy greens for added nutritional value. To help make them more appetizing, serve your kids vegetables in small bite sized chunks with some cream cheese or salad dressing as dip.

Dairy

Cheese and other dairy products are loaded with calcium, a mineral important for replenishing worn down tooth enamel. Chewing cheese also generates a large amount of saliva in the mouth, which has many enzymes that help protect your enamel. Chewing cheese has also been seen to lower your risk of developing cavities. For those who are lactose intolerant, almond or soy milk substitutes work just as well.

Nuts

Noticing a common theme here? Nuts and crunchy legumes that require chewing are great for scrubbing bacteria off teeth while also generating saliva. To top it off, nuts come packed with essential oils and other nutrients that are great for more than just your teeth!

The next time your child complains about having nothing good to eat, you’ll know what to do! Keep in mind that it’s totally fine to give a sugary treat every now and then, but moderation is key! Centennial Smiles is more than happy to address any further questions or concerns you may have. Feel free to reach us at (587) 317-7959 anytime!