Quick Summary
Five snacks that work for busy children and for their teeth. Low-fat yogurt provides calcium. Cheese supplies calcium and phosphorous, which help rebuild enamel, and triggers saliva production that washes away food particles and acids. Blueberries carry vitamin C, minerals and folic acid. Almonds add vitamin E, fibre, calcium and iron. Whole wheat bread and whole grain cereal provide iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamins.
The school year has started and kids are busy with school, sports, and social activities. It’s a challenge sometimes to get your kids to eat healthy when they are on-the-go, not only for their overall health but also for their oral health. Here are some tasty and healthy snacks that you can offer your kids, and chances are they’ll like them!
Yogurt
Dairy foods help build strong bones, and they’re also great for a strong mouth. Eating low-fat yogurt provides calcium. Try mixing it with berries and granola for a healthy parfait, or making homemade fruity yogurt popsicles to attract your children’s attention.
Cheese
Besides providing calcium, cheese helps fight cavities. It triggers saliva production, which washes away food particles in your mouth and the acids that can weaken your teeth. In these ways, cheese halts the process of cavity formation. Cheese not only contains calcium but also phosphorous, which both help rebuild the enamel on your teeth.
Blueberries
These berries may be small, but they’re packed with Vitamin C, minerals, and folic acid. They also contain ingredients which studies show help prevent diabetes and cancer. Try adding blueberries to pancakes and muffins, or sprinkling them with a small amount of sugar and topping them with whipped cream.
Almonds
Nuts like almonds contain ingredients to fight diseases, as well as Vitamin E, fiber, calcium, and iron. Most kids enjoy eating almonds raw, but remember they are a choking hazard for young children.
Whole wheat bread
Bread made with whole wheat provides kids with iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins. Whole grain cereal offers calcium, fiber, and vitamins. Enjoying these whole wheat snacks with milk provides an even healthier snack for your kids.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Marjan Fakhri is accepting new patients from Billerica and the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does cheese help fight cavities?
Besides providing calcium, cheese triggers saliva production, which washes away food particles in the mouth and the acids that can weaken teeth. Cheese also contains phosphorous, and both calcium and phosphorous help rebuild the enamel on your teeth.
Are almonds safe for young children?
Most kids enjoy eating almonds raw, but remember they are a choking hazard for young children.
What makes yogurt a good snack for teeth?
Dairy foods help build strong bones and are also good for a strong mouth. Eating low-fat yogurt provides calcium. Try mixing it with berries and granola, or making homemade fruity yogurt popsicles.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.