It’s common sense that children love candy: it’s sweet, tastes good, and gives them a quick energy boost during the day. What is also common knowledge that artificial sugars found in candy, soda and other baked goods are bad for your teeth.
Excessive sugar is bad for your teeth because it allows harmful bacteria to break them down. This can lead to both short term and long term oral health problems. A few examples of what the effects of sugar can have on your teeth includes cavities, gum disease, plaque, and tooth decay. Left untreated, these dental problems can lead to long-term health consequences that stretch beyond your child’s teeth.
To combat the harm candy and other sweet treats can have on your child’s teeth, we’ve gathered several healthy candy alternatives to give to your child instead.
Fresh Fruit
Perhaps the best sugar alternative for kids is fresh fruit. Fruit is the healthiest alternative to added sugars because it’s full of vitamins and minerals to support a healthy body. Given that some fruits can be very acidic, even fruit can be bad for your teeth without proper aftercare. Make sure to floss and brush your teeth after eating acidic fruit to protect your tooth enamel.
Homemade Energy Balls
Children eat candy because it tastes good, yet they also want to feel the boost in energy from the sugar. However, sugar and teeth are a dangerous combination that can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and tooth decay. By considering an energy-boosting snack with natural, low-glycemic ingredients, you can fulfill the sweet-tooth cravings your child might have and provide them with a healthy snack.
While there are plenty of delicious recipes available for this particular baked treat, we recommend homemade energy balls with oats, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and coconut shaving. This is a great candy replacement that only takes a few minutes to make and doesn’t require any baking!
Trail Mix
Trail mix is another great alternative to candy. The best part of homemade trail mix is adding any ingredients you want. There are endless opportunities, ranging from dried fruit to mixed nuts to spicy crackers are more. When creating your own trail mix, just remember to diversify the ingredients so your family can consume some of your daily vitamins and minerals in this snack.
Homemade Smoothie Bowl
Lastly, if your child has a sweet tooth and truly needs something sweet in the day, smoothie bowls will help satisfy their cravings while limiting their sugar intake. A smoothie bowl is a deconstructed smoothie where you can layer different ingredients. You start with a yogurt and fruit base, then add your favorite toppings, such as a peanut or almond butter, cocoa nibs, and more. They’re quick, easy to make, and help you start – or end – the day with a healthy, enriching meal.
Schedule a Visit at Rio Dental & Orthodontics
If your child experiences tooth pain or just needs an annual visit, we specialize in pediatric dentistry! Contact us today to schedule your child’s next dental visit!
