Why Eating Healthy Snacks is Great for Your Teeth

Parents often ask our Charlotte dentists what their children should snack on for healthy teeth. Most parents already know that junk food will rot teeth. On their own, kids will eat candy and other cavity-causing foods whenever they can. For this reason, parents should steer their children toward the healthy snacks listed below as part of a healthy dental hygiene regimen.

Healthy Proteins

Low-fat, dense sources of protein, such as pork chops, fish and chicken breast, are all excellent snacks in small portions. Lunch meats may be more convenient, but they're loaded with preservatives and sodium. Still, both lunch meats and the other meats listed above all contain little or no sugar.

Skip Processed Options

One of the main reasons sugar is bad for dental hygiene is that it sticks to the teeth. Many processed foods, such as breakfast bars, are actually full of refined sugar, corn syrup and honey. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if a food has been changed from its natural form and then packaged, it's probably also full of ingredients that are bad for teeth.

Drinks

Many people think that fruit juices are healthy, but they're almost always concentrated sources of natural and sometimes artificial sugars and are best avoided. If you ask about the best drinks at your local dental office, you'll hear about drinking calcium-rich milk and plenty of mineral-rich tap or bottled water.

Natural Options

Foods you know are healthy are also usually the best for teeth. Fresh veggies and fruits, nut butters and natural cheese are all great choices.

When your kids are hungry between meals, give them something wholesome and you'll see the results next time you visit the dental office.If you have any questions or would like more information about the best foods for optimal dental health, please contact ourCharlotte dentist officeat 704-543-1102 or by using our convenient onlineappointment request form.