Kids are regularly offered snacks as rewards for everything from sports games to good behavior—they snack so often that it’s no wonder they’re not hungry for dinner. However, constant grazing prevents kids from developing an appetite and discourages proper dental care. Most snacks are high in sugar, putting them at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. To help your child get back on track, here are some helpful tips to curb their excessive snacking.

4 Tips to Curb Your Kid’s Constant Snacking

1. Volunteer for Snack Duty

When it’s your turn to provide snacks for practice or a game, set an example for other parents by bringing fresh fruit and vegetables. Making nutritious snacks and water bottles available will discourage young athletes from consuming sugary snacks and drinks.

2. Provide Healthy Snacks

When grocery shopping, pick up nutrient-rich snack options to offer your children, like cottage cheese, hummus, or almond butter. High in protein, these snacks will help eliminate cravings until mealtime and keep kids focused and energized. These snacks also promote good dental care since they don’t contain the acidic, sugary ingredients that lead to tooth decay. 

3. Discourage Random Snacking

Limit younger children to two snacks per day in addition to three full meals. Pre-teens and teens need one snack, or two if they’re physically active, and three full meals. Curb snacking before mealtime, and serve meals and snacks at regular times every day to develop a familiar eating pattern for kids.

4. Drink Water

Encourage kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day to reduce snacking and promote dental care. Staying hydrated not only eases cravings but also prevents cavities since water flushes away food residue that can cause tooth decay.

In addition to healthy snacking habits, keep up your kids’ oral health with the help of Pedodontic Associates. With three locations throughout Oahu and Maui and over 25 years of experience, their team provides pediatric dentistry services in a gentle, comfortable environment that welcomes infants, children, and adolescents. Count on them for routine cleanings, cavity fillings, and emergency dental care. To make an appointment, call (808) 487-7933 for the Aiea location, (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, and (808) 877-0066 for Kahului, or visit their website to learn more about their services.