26 May Healthy Snacks For Your On-The-Go Family
Does your after school routine involves a crazy schedule of getting children home from school, and then right back out the door a short while later for extra-curricular activities? Whether it’s ballet or baseball, it seems as if there’s always somewhere to be! Often times, what’s lost in all of the after-school commotion is the quality of your child’s snack time. To encourage healthy snacking, we’re sharing this list of the top five portable snacks that promote oral health.
1. Cheese and Dairy
Cheese and other dairy products such as milk and low-fat yogurts are low in sugar and high in calcium and protein, which are primary minerals that build stronger teeth and bones. Cheese can be cut into small cubes and easily packed in a backpack or purse for a quick snack on the go. Prepackaged cheese sticks are also a convenient on the go snack option.
2. Nuts
Nuts are another car friendly snack that promote a healthy mouth. Nuts are rich in protein, which helps to build stronger teeth. Chewing nuts promotes saliva production that naturally protects and cleans your teeth by clearing the mouth of debris and acid buildup that can lead to cavities. Nuts are a great healthy alternative to potato chips, or other salty snacks that your kids may crave.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and nutrients vital to your child’s overall health. They also promote saliva production, which can help prevent cavities. Healthy snacks such as celery, apples, kiwi, and cucumber slices are great substitutes for pre-bagged snacks that are high in added sugar and lack nutritional value. Try to limit the amount of acidic citrus fruits your child may eat, as acid eats away the enamel that protects your child’s teeth.
4. Lean proteins
Lean proteins like fish, chicken, and eggs have high amounts of phosphorous, another mineral key to the protection of teeth by promoting enamel growth. Snacks like chicken salad with nuts and celery, or a tuna sandwich will give your child a healthy boost before any after-school event.
5. Water
Water is one of the best tools we have in keeping our mouths clean, especially fluoridated water, which helps make teeth more resistant to acidic foods. When preparing a snack for your child on the go, grab a water bottle instead of a juice box or sugary soda. Also, encourage your kids to swish water around in their mouth after they’re done snacking. Swishing water can help remove debris caught in their teeth that can lead to enamel loss, and acid buildup.
These are just a few suggestions of healthy on-the-go snack options for your child. If you have any questions about what types of snacks are best for oral health, please give us a call at 910-794-2266!
Thank you to Pediatric Dental World for article resources.