Best Dental-Friendly Snacks for National Snack Month
With National Snack Month upon us, many of us are ready to dive into more of the delicious snacks we already enjoy. Unfortunately, many snacks are high in fat and heavily processed, wreaking havoc on dental health.
That’s why Foothills Pediatric Dentistry is providing several snack options that will keep your child happy and save yourself and them from frequent dental visits. Preserve your child’s clean teeth and healthy smile by offering any of these delicious snack ideas.
Ditch the Sugary Snacks
Your children can enjoy favorite snacks without sacrificing their dental health, be sure to practice basic oral hygiene with them to instill a regular dental routine. Brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day can reduce plaque buildup and keep their healthy smile intact.
Since many snacks on the market have added sugars, that can be dangerous for their teeth, causing possible decay. By maintaining dental hygiene with brushing and flossing, they can enjoy some of their favorite snacks without taking monthly trips to the dentist.
Sweet snacks are fine to enjoy during special occasions, but try to avoid them for daily consumption.
To ensure a healthy smile and reduce severe dental issues, some sugary snacks to avoid include:
- Sugary sodas
- Cookies
- Candy bars
- Sweet pastries
- Sticky sweets, such as toffee or caramel
- Dried fruit and fruit roll-ups
Enjoy these Dental-Friendly Snacks
Implementing healthy snacking habits and regular dental hygiene can help your child enjoy yummy snacks without issue during National Snack Month.
Some healthy snacking habits for proper oral hygiene include having a brushing and flossing routine twice a day, drinking water after eating sticky foods, and maintaining a balanced diet by reducing sugary, processed snacks.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice delicious snacks to maintain healthy habits and improved oral hygiene!
Below are some healthy snack suggestions for optimal dental hygiene:
- Greek yogurt
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Celery with peanut butter
- Citrus fruits, but in moderation
- Unsalted nuts, such as almonds
- Fat-free milk
During National Snack Month, it is more tempting than ever to snack all day long, but that can increase tooth decay and plaque buildup. Next time your child opts for a snack, try offering one of these nutritious, satisfying snacks instead.
Looking to improve your oral health by visiting a skilled local pediatric dentist for annual checkups and routine cleanings? Foothills Pediatric Dentistry in Longmont, Thornton, and Lafayette here to help! Schedule an appointment with us today so you can receive the proper dental recommendations to preserve your child’s beautiful smile.