There are plenty of foods we associate with the weather warming up: hotdogs for baseball season, ice cream or slushies on a hot day, and chocolate bunnies surrounding the Easter holiday.
While it’s perfectly fine to indulge in these items every once in a while, it’s better to seek alternatives that provide the vitamins your child needs to grow. If you and your kids are cravings for something sweet or savory that resembles your favorite springtime foods, don’t fret! We have plenty of healthy spring snacks for kids to eat that won’t be as harmful to their teeth.
1. A Mixed Fruit Bowl – Some fresh fruits like apples, pears, and strawberries are high in fiber, which can help stimulate saliva production and neutralize acids that can cause tooth decay. Natural sugars found in these fruits can also provide much-needed energy for your child to get through the day.
2. A Fruit Parfait – If you’re looking to make your child’s daily fruit intake even more delicious, make them a parfait. Low-fat dairy products found in yogurt are high in calcium which can help promote strong teeth and bones. Parfaits also can be a great alternative to ice cream.
3. Cheese & Vegetable Sticks – Raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers are also high in fiber and water content and can help clean teeth by scraping away softer food particles and plaque. Incorporating cheese sticks into this healthy snack can also provide a healthy calcium intake that you’ll get from dairy.
4. No-Bake Granola Balls – Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D which can help strengthen teeth and gums. Adding honey, peanut butter, dried fruit, dark chocolate, cinnamon, or other sweetening products can give this treat the sweet kick it needs alongside the healthy vitamins that are already included.
Finding a snack that kids will love is sometimes a huge challenge for parents of picky eaters. If you have time, get creative with your snack presentation by shaping these sweet and savory treats into their favorite movie or television show characters.
Making sure your child regularly consumes fruits, veggies, and other tooth-friendly snacks they will love will help their dental health and overall health remain in great shape.
Book The Next Check-Up For Your Children’s Teeth
The start of a new season often signals that it’s time to schedule your child’s next dental appointment. If it’s been more than six months since their last check-up at the dentist, now is the perfect time to bring them in. In addition to a great oral health routine with brushing and flossing, as well as a balanced diet, regular visits to the dentist will ensure your child has healthy teeth as they grow. Schedule your family’s dental appointments with Rio Dental & Orthodontics today!
