Good dental care shouldn’t end after your child leaves the dentist, but should be an important consideration in daily life. It shouldn’t feel like a chore either – the foods that are best for our teeth are good all around, benefiting both our health and happiness. Kids like winding down over the summer, preferring to forget their worries, but that’s no reason to forego healthy food. If your family loves a summer picnic, Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu recommends bringing along these smile-friendly snacks:

• Fruit Slices: Fresh fruit always tastes better in the summer! If you’re going out to the beach for a picnic, don’t forget to bring delicious apple slices, grapes, or other child-friendly fruits. They’re a lot healthier than juice – and kinder to your teeth too.

• Whole Grain Snacks: The problem with potato chips, at least when it comes to dental care, is their starchy buildup that quickly coats teeth. For a much healthier and smile-friendly snack, buy whole grain snacks for your child, such as crackers and pita chips. They’re just as crunchy as chips, but have a lot more to offer nutrition-wise.

• Nuts: Be careful when serving nuts to young children, but keep in mind that tree nuts contain numerous vitamins and minerals. Almonds, in particular, benefit teeth and bones with their high calcium levels. They’re also an incredibly easy snack: Just pack them in a zip-close bag and go!

• Dark Chocolate: Adults often appreciate dark chocolate more than children, but it’s not unusual for some kids to start liking it early. On those special occasions when you indulge your child’s sweet tooth, dark chocolate is a lot more tooth-friendly than gooey caramel-based candy bars.

• Water: Sports drinks might be full of electrolytes – but they’re also full of sugar. Their bright colors and stylish labels may be tempting for children, so you may need to remind them occasionally that they aren’t good for dental care, and can even dehydrate you on a hot day. During the summer, nothing beats plain old water to quench thirst— so always bring a bottle or two whenever you leave the house!

It may be summer, but good dental care should never go on vacation! To schedule an appointment at Pediatric Dental Group, call (808) 593-8828, or visit the Honolulu-based pediatric dentistry online to view other locations and information.