6 snacks for snack month good for teeth

Snacks To Enjoy During National Snack Month

Imagine your children enjoying their favorite snacks without running to the dentist frequently for cavities. Unfortunately, indulging in sugary snacks too often can affect their dental health. Many heavily processed snacks are high in sugar content, affecting their teeth if you’re not diligent in helping them clean them appropriately.

Enjoy six nutritious and filling snacks your child can enjoy especially during National Snack Month. By making wise snack choices and following snacking with good oral hygiene routines, your child can still have a healthy smile! Don’t forget to schedule your child’s biannual dental visits with your local Deschutes Pediatric Dentist to ensure that snacking doesn’t go awry.

Maintain Your Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing teeth is essential for dental health. Without an official dental routine, your children’s teeth may suffer from plaque buildup and decay over time.

You can reduce plaque buildup by brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and evening. And if your child is going to be snacking extra during National Snack Month, rinse out any excess gunk by encouraging water consumption after eating and flossing in between your teeth at least once a day.

Avoid Added Sugar

When making snack choices, try to be cognizant of consuming too many foods with a high sugar content. Of course, the occasional sweet snack is fine, but constant snacking on sweets may harm those beautiful smiles and lead to increased dental visits for your child.

Some sugary snacks that may hurt your dental health include:

  • Fruit roll-ups or fruit leather
  • Sticky toffee or caramel
  • Sweet pastries
  • Candy
  • High-sugar cereals
  • Carbonated, sugary sodas

If your child has a sweet tooth, consider enjoying some fresh fruit as a snack instead. However, if they enjoy eating plenty of citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, oranges, or lemons, try to offer them in moderation. Too much acidity can harm enamel and increase the likelihood of cavities.

6 Healthy Snack Ideas

Maintaining a balanced snack diet and making wise food choices to prevent tooth decay can decrease your likelihood of cavities, gum disease, or toothaches.

Here are some healthy, delicious snacks you can try swap for sugary ones that won’t hurt your child’s teeth and will keep them full longer:

  • Green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or celery
  • Greek yogurt with berries
  • High-protein, unsalted nuts, such as almonds or pecans
  • Carrots with hummus
  • Apples
  • Low-fat or fat-free milk

If your child is ready for your next dental cleaning with a skilled local pediatric dentist, call Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry in Redmond or Bend today! We are happy to help you keep your child’s oral health in tip top shape for years to come.