The Best Snacks for a Healthy Smile

One of the most frequent questions that Drs. Mackley, Esplin, and Spackman and our team hear is about what kinds of snacks are best for a child’s dental health. Sugary snacks are inevitable sometimes, but it’s vital for you as a parent to monitor how frequently your child is eating the kinds of snacks that may give him or her a cavity or two down the line.

Unsurprisingly, the best snacks are healthy ones, though they may not always be the most appealing to your little ones. The good news is that being healthy doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste. Once your kids give these tasty snacks a go, they might become open to all things healthy!

• Fresh veggies and hummus

• Apple wedges with peanut butter

• Low-fat yogurt with berries

• Cubes of cheese and crackers

• Hard-boiled eggs with a little bit of salt and pepper

• Celery sticks with cream cheese and sunflower seeds

• A homemade milkshake with low-fat milk (or almond milk), the fruit of their choice, chia seeds, and cinnamon

• Lean proteins such as chicken breast, fish, and turkey

These snacks aren’t high in sugar, but they contain all the nutrients your children need to have the necessary energy throughout the day.

This is only a sample of all the great, healthy snacks out there for your kids. For more ideas, ask us the next time you visit our Perry office. It’s never too early to create healthy habits; they’re not only good for oral health, but overall health too. That’s a win-win, if you ask us.