Concerned parents often ask us about which kinds of snacks are best for a child's teeth. While most know that candy isn't the best choice, many parents are confused about which kinds of after-school snacks can actually be beneficial for teeth
Go Natural
The best for your children's teeth are also best for their overall health. Choosing whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, is always the best option for snacks. Try sticks of celery and let your kids dip it into all-natural peanut butter, or a juicy and crunchy apple cut into wedges.
Lean Proteins
Lean protein, such as chicken breast, fish, turkey, and lean cuts of pork also make good snacking options since they are low in sugar. For the best overall health, avoid giving your child a lot of lunch meats, because such products are often higher in sodium
Avoid Packaged Foods
Sugars are unhealthy partly because they stick more readily to the surface of teeth. Even foods that appear to be healthy, such as many brands of granola bars, can in fact be loaded with hidden sugars. Sugar can also be found in higher concentrations in dried fruit, honey, and syrups.
Beverages
Drinks are another murky area. Parents often presume that fruit juices are an acceptable beverage when in reality many of them are loaded with excessive sugar as well. The best beverages for your child's teeth are water and low-fat milk. Milk has the added benefit of containing calcium, which is highly beneficial for the bone structure that supports teeth.
An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but it is also a great snack to keep teeth healthy. The next time your children are looking for an after-school snack, guide them toward healthier, low-sugar options that are beneficial to their overall health and their teeth.
