Desserts appeal to people of all ages, but children are notorious for their sweet tooth. While dessert is a wonderful way to end a meal, it can also be detrimental to teeth and gums. It’s particularly important to remind children of this since they’re particularly vulnerable to the sugary charms of candy, cookies, cakes, and other favorites. While you don’t have to omit them entirely, it’s a good idea to offer a balance of tooth-friendly substitutes. Here are three options that will keep them happy and fortify their dental care habits.

Healthier Desserts Your Kids Will Love

1. Apples & Cheese

The two may not be a traditional dessert combination, but they can be surprisingly beneficial if you’re seeking foods that are both delicious and full of dental care goodness. Apples are naturally sweet, crisp, and flavorful, and they make a delicious treat at any time of the day. Studies have found that apples minimize bacteria in saliva much like brushing teeth does. Cheese, meanwhile, provides a satisfying savory balance that may acidify the fruit’s sugar while also promoting healthy saliva production.

2. Dark Chocolate

While most children think of white or milk chocolate when they’re craving that rich, sweet, and decadent flavor, they may not realize that dark chocolate can be just as tasty. For little ones, it’s best to stick with a recipe that contains a lower percentage of cacao in order to help them ease into the flavor—the higher the percentage, the more bitter the taste will be. Dark chocolate is healthier for teeth because it contains less sugar than the milk variety.  

3. Rice Pudding

For children who love creamy textures, rice pudding makes a sufficient substitute for other flavors. You can easily prepare this dish in just a few minutes by combining cooked rice with milk, cinnamon, butter, vanilla, and sugar. You can limit the amount of sugar you use and incorporate something else for flavor, such as chopped fruit, lemon or orange zest, or extra cinnamon. It’s soft and easy on the teeth, and it’s just sweet enough to satisfy that craving.

If you’re seeking a trustworthy dental care provider for your child in Anchorage, look to Alaska Dentistry for Kids. Specializing in comprehensive care for children, the pediatric dentist, Dr. Chris Coplin, provides a number of services for little ones of all ages. Turn to the office for teeth cleaning, special needs dentistry, and emergency situations. Visit the website for more information or call (907) 274-2525 to schedule an appointment.