5 Tooth-Friendly Snacks to Protect Your Kids From Cavities

Tooth decay affects more than half of Australian kids aged between six and 10, according to a recent report. One major cause of cavities in children is eating too much sugar. By avoiding sweet foods and providing these healthy snacks instead, parents can help to protect their child's oral health.

1. Cheese

According to Dental Health Week, cheese is one of the best snacks for children's dental health. Provide cubes of cheddar, Swiss cheese or mozzarella for your child to snack on. These cheeses are all packed with calcium, which your child needs to develop strong, healthy teeth.

2. Eggs

Eggs are low in sugar, but rich in the nutrients that a growing child needs. Hard-boil a batch of eggs and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Whenever your child needs a snack, simply peel off the shell so they can safely enjoy this naturally nutritious food.

3. Unsweetened Nut Butters

Nuts are a tooth-friendly snack for adults, but very young children can choke on them. Reduce the risk of choking by giving your child unsweetened almond or peanut butter instead of whole nuts. Some nut butters contain sugar, so read the label carefully to ensure you purchase and use an unsweetened variety. Spread peanut butter on oatcakes or crackers to make a filling and tooth-friendly snack for your child.

4. Popcorn

Popcorn isn't just for the cinema! Your kids can enjoy this healthy, low-calorie snack at any time. Steer clear of syrup or caramel toppings and instead add just a little salt for flavor. Popcorn is a great alternative to other crunchy snacks, such as granola or cookies, which are often loaded with added sugar.

5. Yoghurt

High in calcium and protein, yoghurt can be a very healthy snack for a growing child. However, you need to watch out for added sugars in many brands of yoghurt that are marketed to kids. In the grocery store, choose plain yoghurt over flavoured alternatives to avoid accidentally giving your kids added sugar. Greek yoghurt is often very low in sugar and has a wonderful creamy texture that most kids love!

As well as providing tooth-friendly snacks, it's also important to teach your kids good brushing habits and encourage them to drink water rather than soda throughout the day. In addition to regular checkups with a family dentist such as Thomas Aulsebrook & Associates, these healthy lifestyle tips can help to keep your kids' teeth strong and healthy

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