With kids back in school, parents have to think about packing snacks to keep their little ones focused throughout a long day of learning. You want to give your son or daughter tasty foods that give them energy. While sweet treats like cookies can offer a quick boost of power, the sugar they contain attracts cavity-causing bacteria that damages kids’ teeth, demanding additional family dentistry care that could otherwise be avoided. Opt for these teeth-healthy snacks instead.

5 Teeth-Healthy Snacks for Kids

1. Yogurt With Berries

Instead of a pudding pack, give your child plain Greek yogurt. You can throw in berries for flavor. Yogurt is a dairy product rich in calcium, a mineral that helps build healthy teeth and bones.

2. Vegetable Sticks

Skip the chips and give your kid some vegetable sticks to chomp on. These crunchy treats require a lot of chewing, which supports saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural cleanser in the mouth, washing away bits of food and bacteria; reduced saliva flow increases the risk of cavities.

3. Fresh Apples

Dried fruits are tempting to include as a snack for kids because they’re so easy to pack. Unfortunately, their gummy texture leaves teeth coated in harmful sugar. Opt for fresh apples instead. The crispy fruits stimulate saliva flow, and biting through the flesh offers a scrubbing action to cleanse teeth.

4. Cheese Cubes

Another dairy product, cheese is packed with tooth-healthy calcium just like yogurt. Additionally, a study by the Academy of General Dentistry showed that eating cheese reduces plaque in the mouth. This sticky bacteria-laden film clings to teeth, increasing the risk for cavities.

5. Water

For drinks, skip the sugary fruit juices and opt for plain water to prevent dry mouth. If your child doesn't like the taste, try naturally flavored sugar-free options. You can also make your own spritzers by adding fresh cucumbers or apples.

Schedule your child’s back-to-school family dentistry checkup at Serenity Dental in Wesley Chapel, FL, today. These dentists place an emphasis on preventative care and will be happy to provide additional pointers on how to safeguard your little one’s smile. Their team has over 14 years of experience working with children and adults alike. Review their family dentistry offering, from tooth extractions to cleanings, online. For an appointment, call (813) 907-0022.