Kids love to snack on chocolates and other sugary food items; ever eroding stash of snacks is evidence of their love for convenient snacks. While packaged snacks are fun, it is up to the parents to cultivate the proper snacking habits in their kids to prevent dental issues. This post discusses snack choices recommended by dentist in Blackburn for children to keep their teeth healthy and free from cavities.
Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Also, munching on fresh fruits like strawberries, apples, bananas, watermelon, and oranges are an excellent choice for healthy teeth. Besides being a rich source of vitamin C, strawberries contain astringent, which act as effective teeth whiteners and remove plaque. On the other hand, Apple stimulates the secretion of saliva, which prevents tooth decay and reduces bacteria in the mouth. Fruits like watermelon ensure healthy gums and teeth.
Raw Veggies
Vegetables like cucumber, carrot, celery, and many more are rich sources of vitamin C, calcium, and iron essential to maintain oral health. In addition, they are a rich source of water, providing a moist environment for the mouth and reducing bacteria growth. Furthermore, regular consumption of veggies curbs sweet cravings. Dentists strongly recommend veggies for healthy teeth.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a rich source of calcium, vitamin C and magnesium. They are essential minerals for teeth and bone development and protect the teeth enamel. They aid re-calcification of the bones and the overall development of the kids. Additionally, whole grains are a rich source of complex carbohydrates which helps in sustained release of energy and reduce sugar cravings.
Nuts and Seeds
Chewing nuts and seeds produce loads of saliva in the mouth that lessens the bacteria present in the mouth and prevents tooth decay. In addition, nuts are loaded with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Walnuts are a rich source of phosphorus which again aids in keeping the teeth healthy.
Dairy and Meat Products
Dairy products are calcium-rich; they’re-calcify the teeth and prevent calcium loss. In addition, phosphorus and casein in milk products are beneficial for the development and maintenance of the teeth and prevents tooth decay. Likewise, meats are a rich source of proteins and phosphorus essential for forming and maintaining teeth and gums.
Some healthy ways to make fruits and vegetables interesting
You can also make healthy snacks like fruit smoothies without sugar, as fruits are already loaded with sugar. You can replace sugar with dates to eliminate the need to add sugar. Banana and apples go very well with chocolate and nut butter. Eggs are another healthy option that is loaded with proteins and vitamins and are incredibly filling.
Conclusion
Sugar loaded food items are the breeding ground for bacteria. They release harmful acids detrimental to the tooth enamel leading to tooth erosion and creating holes. Cultivating healthier food habits in children will keep them away from dental decay and other dental diseases.
