A List of Kid-Friendly Snacks for Healthy Teeth

It is a known fact that kids love to snack. With their active lifestyles, kids need to eat every three to four hours to meet their nutritional needs. As kids get home from school or their daily activities, they rummage through the pantry, kitchen cabinets, or refrigerator looking for a treat. Most kids dive right into candy, cookies, crackers, and sugary treats to satisfy their hunger. These types of foods are highly processed with added sugars, leading to dental issues, like tooth decay and cavities. Our dental team at LANCO Dental Care in Lancaster, PA knows it can be a tug-a-war to get kids to eat healthy, especially when it comes to the idea of a snack. Read on to get a helpful list of snacks that play the double duty of being healthy and suitable for your kid's teeth.

Why does frequent snacking cause tooth decay?

Lancaster, PA parents may think their children are only at risk of developing cavities if they eat candy or sugary snacks. However, it is not the candy itself but the sugar or complex carbohydrates in foods and snacks that produce enamel-attacking acid. When drinking or eating snacks all day long, bacteria in the mouth feed on the process by making more acidity in the mouth. These harmful acids attack tooth enamel about 20 minutes after a snack is finished. Parents should think twice about constantly offering snacks throughout the day but instead implement a schedule for snack times between meals.

A list of healthy snacks for kid's teeth

More wholesome foods and snacks that fuel your child's growing body also impact the development of their teeth and health. One of the main reasons to provide your child healthy, nutritious snacks is to reduce their risk of tooth decay or cavities. Frequent snacking throughout the day can lead to tooth decay, one of the leading dental issues for children. We understand that kids need regular snacks throughout the day to refuel, but choosing them wisely can help protect your child's oral health.

• Raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery sticks, cucumbers, or broccoli
• Whole-grain crackers
• Popcorn (air-popped)
• Fresh fruit, like grapes, apples, watermelon, oranges, and pears
• Cheese sticks, low-fat yogurt, or cottage cheese
• Cashews or almonds

What are not considered dentist-approved snacks?

Start good oral habits early and reduce your child's risk of developing tooth decay by teaching them how to correctly brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You can also protect your child's teeth by avoiding or limiting the following list of snacks:

• Sugary sweets, like ice cream, cupcakes, or cookies
• Chewy treats, like gummy bears, caramel toffees, or fruit roll-ups
• Muffins or bagels
• Sports drinks or soft drinks
• Citrus fruits which are highly acidic, like lemons or grapefruit
• Cereals, crackers, or refined carbohydrates

Dental care for kids in Lancaster, PA

We know you can't keep kids away from candy or sugary treats, but stocking up on healthy snacks will reduce their risk of developing cavities. Find snacks that pull double duty by being good for teeth and healthy. At LANCO Dental Care, we want your children to have healthy teeth and make patients our number one priority. If you are looking for a family dentist in Lancaster, PA, contact our office to set up a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning with our dental team today.