7 Snacks to Protect Your Child's Dental Health

Children are naturally attracted to sweet treats, such as candy and soda. However, these foods increase the risk of tooth decay when kids eat them regularly. Here are seven alternative snack suggestions for parents who want to protect their children's dental health.

1. Watermelon Slices 

Research shows that dental cavities are less common in people who consume a lot of whole fruit. Watermelon is an excellent fruit to give to your kids because it is refreshing, hydrating and low in sugar. Slice up watermelon for a tasty summer snack.

2. Berries and Yoghurt

Berries are full of healthy vitamins and relatively low in sugar compared to other fruits. Combine them with plain yoghurt for a calcium-rich snack. By including dairy products in your child's diet, you can ensure they get plenty of calcium for healthy teeth. Be sure to choose a brand of yoghurt without added sugar.

3. Apples and Cheese

Cheese is another dairy product that is rich in calcium and popular with kids. Create a flavourful snack by pairing cubes of cheddar with crunchy apple slides.

4. Pita and Hummus

Calcium is not only found in dairy products. Chickpeas are also rich in this natural mineral. To get your kids to eat their chickpeas, blend them with tahini and lemon juice to make hummus. If you prefer, you can buy prepared hummus from the grocery store. Serve with whole grain pita triangles as a healthy and filling snack.

5. Carrots

Carrots are another excellent accompaniment to hummus. All you need to do is wash, peel and chop carrots and give them to your kids. Crunching on these naturally sweet vegetables naturally scrapes plaque from your child's teeth.

6. Eggs

This snack is extremely easy to prepare. Simply hard boil eggs in water and allow them to cool. You can easily carry hard-boiled eggs around. When your kids get hungry, simply peel the eggs and give them to your kids to enjoy. Eggs are rich in protein and other nutrients that are necessary for a growing child.

7. Ants on a Log

A favourite of children around the world, ants on a log is a snack that will also keep the dentist happy. It consists of a fibrous stick of celery (the log) with a peanut butter filling, topped with raisins (the ants). To protect your kids' teeth, choose a brand of peanut butter that does not have added sugar.