Instead of battling with your kids, ask your pediatric dentist about healthy snack choices. When walking through the grocery store, you will find all types of junk food. The problem is the amount of sugar found in many snacks. For the overall health of your children, including their teeth, it is essential that you make the right choices.
Sometimes, kids want unhealthy snacks because it is what all their friends eat. However, more common than not, it is the sugar that causes the craving. It is as though once a child tastes bad snacks, they cannot get enough. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your children about making good food choices. That way, it is easier for a child to avoid dental problems early on in life.
A pediatric dentist does more than just examine, clean and fill cavities in teeth. Dental professionals also help educate people regardless of age. As parents know, when information comes from a source other than mom and dad, kids tend to listen better. Therefore, it is worthwhile for parents to sit down with their children in front of the dentist to learn about healthy versus unhealthy foods. At that time, the pediatric dentist can provide some great snack ideas.
Providing kids with the wrong snacks can lead to serious issues. For one thing, this puts them at risk of becoming overweight. If not kept in check, a child could develop diabetes. Unhealthy snacks can also wreak havoc on teeth and gums. Especially for those with poor dental hygiene practices, this would quickly cause problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Not only do these snacks taste good, but the crunchy texture also makes them fun to eat. While enjoying the flavor, the hardness helps scrape the teeth, which promotes cleaning in between brushing. For kids who want something a little more exciting, low-fat ranch dressing, yogurt or peanut butter are great options. The goal is to serve more of the fruits and veggies than the added ingredient.
These three foods also make great snacks to promote healthy teeth as they are rich in phosphorus and calcium. Along with a yummy flavor, they can help repair enamel on the teeth. As for the nuts, parents should stick with the plain type, meaning nothing extra salted or seasoned. Regarding the yogurt, there are many different low-sugar flavors available.
For some reason, a lot of parents overlook the benefits of hummus. As with yogurt, this snack comes in a broad range of flavors. Instead of serving it with crackers or pita chips, snacks like celery, apples or carrots give children energy. A pediatric dentist might also suggest serving hummus as a snack with unsalted or unflavored oatcakes.
Along with healthy snacks, a pediatric dentist will recommend some foods to avoid at all costs. For instance, any type of gummy sweet should be on the “no” list. Not only is the sugar bad for the teeth, but it easily becomes stuck in between the teeth. This is especially true for kids who wear braces or retainers. Chocolate is another no-no. If kids insist on this treat, parents can offer a small amount of dark chocolate.
If you have young children, you can start with healthy snacks after switching to solid foods. However, if you have older kids who have already tasted bad food, it will take some patience to make the conversion. If you need support, you can always turn to your pediatric dentist. Your child might listen to them a little more than you when it comes to choosing snacks that are good for the body, including the teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
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