Tips To Keep Your Kid’s Teeth Cavity Free!
By Dr. Gema Island, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist & Dr. Allison Lonneman , Pediatric Dentist
Here are the top 5 snacks to avoid:
According to the US Department of Agriculture, one in five school-age children has up to six snacks a day. A variety of factors are involved in the development of excess weight. One major contributor to childhood obesity has been the growing popularity of ultra-processed snack foods (e.g., potato chips, cookies, crackers, candy) among children.
CRACKERS & STARCHY SNACKS – We all love them and know them: Goldfish, Cheez-It crackers, and Cheerios. The reality is that those snacks are highly cariogenic (cavity-causing) due to their ability to stick to the teeth. When your kids have those snacks, the starch sticks in the deep grooves of the back teeth. When it remains there for a prolonged period of time (sometimes until the next meal or brushing time), cavity-causing bacteria is provided the perfect environment to start the cavity process.
FRUIT POUCHES – Fruit pouches may be yummy and convenient but are full of sugar and contain very little nutritional value (even organic brands). The processing takes away many of the key nutrients of whole fruits. The nutritional fiber is pulverized during processing. Fiber allows whole fruits to be digested slowly over the course of the entire digestive tract, allowing full absorption of nutrients. Without fiber, few nutrients are absorbed. With little nutritional value and high sugar content (some pouches have as much as a soda), we do not recommend fruit pouches for snacking.
GRANOLA BARS – Although some granola bars contain protein, which is beneficial to a child’s diet, many contain high amounts of sugar (similar to levels found in candy bars). Granola bars typically contain dry fruit that sticks to the teeth and has the potential to promote cavity formation.
SPORTS DRINKS – A typical sports drink has over 200 calories and 150% of the recommended daily intake of sugar. A great alternative to a sports drink is naturally infused water—try adding orange or cucumber slices to your child’s drink! It is an easy way to keep their teeth cavity-free and stay hydrated.
You have probably already noticed that when you bite into a corncob, the bits of corn get stuck all over your teeth. Kernels from popcorn can frequently get stuck in your teeth as well. These stuck bits of corn can be hard to get out. They can create gum infections, and if you have braces, they can cause damage to the brackets and orthodontic wires.
CONCLUSION:
Snacking can be a great opportunity to help your child increase their fruit and vegetable intake and develop a healthy relationship with food. Your child’s food intake can vary significantly from day to day depending on your child’s age, physical activity, and body weight.
Instead of processed snacks, try fresh fruit and crunchy vegetables. Both are high in fiber and will help fill up those hungry bellies. Plus, the act of chewing crisp fruits and veggies can scrub away food particles and plaque. Here are some good choices for you to consider:
- Apples
- Pears and strawberries with yogurt.
- Carrots, broccoli, celery, and cucumbers dipped in hummus.
- Cashews
- Cheese—any type.
