We all love seeing our little ones munch on their favorite snacks, but did you know that many of these seemingly harmless sugary and carb-loaded treats are actually setting the stage for cavities to develop? Cavities are one of the most common oral conditions affecting children, and snacking habits play a significant role in their formation. Luckily, as a parent you have quite a bit of control regarding what your kid eats, meaning that you can also prepare meals and snacks that discourage them. Continue reading below to learn a little more from your dentist about how snacking can lead to cavities in children, along with some sensible, smile-friendly alternatives!
How Snacking Can Lead to Cavities
When kids indulge in sugary snacks and drinks—especially those popular during the Halloween season—the naturally occurring bacteria in their mouths feast on the sugars, producing acids that attack tooth enamel, weakening it and leading to cavities after some time. However, it isn’t just the sugar and carbs that are problematic, but also the act of snacking itself. Regularly consuming sugary and starchy snacks without proper oral hygiene can create a breeding ground for cavities, since the teeth aren’t given the chance to be cleaned or the saliva isn’t given the chance to neutralize the mouth’s acidity.
Healthy Snack Alternatives Your Child Will Love
Luckily, there are numerous nutritious and tasty alternatives to all of the sugary and starchy items your kid might enjoy—and many of them are affordable, accessible, and quite easy to prepare! Here are some tooth-friendly options that your child is sure to enjoy munching on:
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Whenever you can, you should encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, celery, and other similar items. These not only provide essential vitamins and minerals, but also help to naturally clean the teeth due to their fibrous texture. A classic staple, “ants on a log,” or celery with peanut butter and raisins, is another fun way to get your kiddo to eat some healthier items.
Dairy and Yogurt
Dairy products like yogurt and cheese are rich in protein and calcium and low in sugar. Cheese is particularly helpful when it comes to stimulating saliva production, too—which is the mouth’s first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria. Yogurt also contains some live bacteria, which greatly benefits the digestive system; you can also sweeten it with a piece of fruit or a drizzle of honey!
Nuts and Seeds
Options like almonds and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and even antioxidants. These are all especially important for supporting growth in children. They also provide a very satisfying crunch when bitten into, without the sugar rush of a candy bar! Nonetheless, be mindful of the choking hazard that nuts sometimes pose.
By making smart snack choices and emphasizing good oral hygiene practices, you can protect your child’s precious smile from the lurking threat posed by cavities. Better yet, these healthier choices will also benefit their overall health, meaning that you shouldn’t hesitate to embrace them!
About the Practice
Here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re excited to offer families in the Clinton, MA community an unrivaled level of high-quality care. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your little one, feel free to contact us online or over the phone for assistance—we can’t wait to hear from you! Telephone: (978) 612-6222.