School is back in session, and that means so are after-school snacks! Here are some great snack ideas to help keep your child’s mouth healthy and cavity-free.
Cheese: Cheese is high-protein, high-calcium, and low-sugar. This is a great combination for teeth! The nutrients it provides helps strengthen tooth enamel, and the low sugar content is great for overall mouth health.
Apples: Apples are crisp, delicious, and nutritious. They scrape plaque and food debris away from teeth, acting like a kind of natural toothbrush. They also provide fiber, which balances out the sugars they contain. Avoid fruit juices, as they are high in sugar and acid and do not contain fiber.
Raw Veggies: Dark, leafy greens and crisp raw veggies are especially good. Crisp veggies act similarly to crisp fruit as they scrape away plaque and food debris. They stimulate saliva production and provide many vitamins and nutrients important for a healthy diet.
Nuts: Many nuts are low in carbohydrates, which is great for teeth. The acid-producing bacteria that cause cavities feed off of carbohydrates. Nuts provide protein and minerals important for overall health. Chewing nuts also stimulates saliva, which distributes fortifying nutrients and disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.
Water: Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for a mouth-healthy smile. Fluoride is a substance that makes teeth more resistant to the acids produced by bacteria that can cause cavities. About 75% of the US population has access to fluoridated water. Just think–water from your kitchen sink is excellent protection against cavities!
For more information about how to keep your child’s smile bright this school year, call Smiles Unlimited at 925.344.5757. And if you are in the Livermore, California area, Dr. Rakhi Jani and our team will be happy to see you child for a back-to-school dental appointment! We look forward to helping you and your child has a successful year!