Every good parent knows that the majority of habits their child adopts early in life will follow them into adulthood, which is why developing good snacking habits at a young age is essential. Allen K. Hirai, DDS, at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala in Honolulu, HI, is one of the area’s leading pediatric dentists and he’s compiled some healthy snacking tips for you.

If you want your child’s smile to remain strong and healthy, this pediatric dentist suggests some of the best snacks to give them:

• Fruit: Many parents don’t realize that there are different types of bacteria in the mouth that can spur on the growth of gingivitis; thankfully, fruit helps combat this. If you want to keep your child’s teeth and gums as healthy as possible, feeding them snacks that are high in Vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwis, cantaloupes, and strawberries, will help curb such bacteria.
• Veggies: No matter what age you are, having a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables is key, but it’s especially important when you’re younger. Harder veggies help clean your child’s teeth and gums as they eat, making them the perfect snack for those young ones who haven’t quite yet mastered their brushing habits.
• Seeds & Nuts: Your child’s teeth need all the help they can get to stay strong, which is why Pediatric Dentistry Kahala recommends giving your children seeds and nuts to snack on. Items like sunflower and pumpkin seeds, cashews, and almonds have natural oils that help strengthen tooth enamel and increase their resistance to cavities.

For more helpful tips on what snacks will give your kids a healthy smile, contact the Pediatric Dentistry Kahala today at (808) 737-0076. You can also visit them online to learn more about what makes him one of Honolulu’s best pediatric dentists.