Winning Snacks

Photo provided by nhlbi.nih.gov

We know that getting kids and teens to eat healthy isn’t always an easy task, especially when they’re busy with school and other activities. And as parents…we’re even busier. It’s OK to admit that sometimes it’s just easier to grab fast food on the way home from work or toss our kids a couple bucks to purchase lunch in the school cafeteria. But proper nutrition not only insures that our kids will grow into healthy adults, it also insures that the money we spent on their orthodontic care does not go to waste. 

Did you know that a proper diet provides all the essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing change? So, the healthier you are, the better the results of your orthodontic treatment. 

Photo provided by thenourishinghome.com

Knowing this…we thought we’d pass along five quick, delicious and nutritious snacks your kids are sure to love. 

1. Cheese – Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child’s teeth. In addition to providing calcium, cheese also helps fight cavities. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Cheese stimulates the body’s salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Also…the Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese prevents decreases in the plaque’s ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child’s teeth. 

2. Blueberries - Blueberries are loaded with Vitamin C, as well as folic acid, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals, which have shown to help prevent cancer and diabetes. Try adding blueberries as a topping to cereal or even mix them into muffins and pancakes…the kids will love that. 

3. Whole Wheat Bread – Whole wheat bread gives kids their iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. So instead of making a sandwich on white bread for lunch…use Whole Wheat Bread instead. It’s a little change that will make a big impact. 

4. Oatmeal - Instead of high-sugar, high-fat options from the grocery store, try baking a batch of low-fat oatmeal cookies. Raisins, cranberries, dried apricots and nuts can be great additions to the cookie dough because of their nutritional value & taste. 

5. Yogurt - Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Consider Yogurt as an alternative to ice-cream for dessert. When mixed with berries and granola…yogurt is a tasty treat. 

For more information about which foods are best for keeping your kids and their teeth healthy…feel free to give us a call, post a comment here on our blog or ask us on Facebook!