In the summertime, sugary treats are a real temptation for children. Sugary snacks may taste great, but the sticky sugars can stick to the teeth and end up contributing to rapid tooth decay and plaque build-up. Reducing sugar does not have to be boring, try these four tips and reduce sugars with summer snacks your children will love!
Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Pops
These frozen and tasty treats are the perfect hot summer day snack. Strawberries have great ingredients that can actually help prevent staining on the teeth, and yogurt is a great way to stimulate saliva production. You can even make these treats with your children! To start, you only need two ingredients: fresh strawberries and plain yogurt. Cut up the fresh strawberries into small pieces and mix them with the yogurt. Pour your mix into a popsicle mold and freeze them. Leave them overnight and enjoy your frozen treat the next day!
Celery and Peanut Butter
Peanut butter and celery is a tasty, healthy, and low sugar snack for your summer events. The celery is a great option to keep your teeth strong and in shape, while the peanut butter keeps your kids energized and offers a hint of sweetness naturally. Make sure to use natural peanut butter if you want to avoid all those added sugars. You can get creative by using other nut butter like almond or cashew as well. Add one or two dark chocolate chips for a very special treat!
Popcorn
While as a dentist we may not always agree with popcorn. For a summer fireside snack, fresh popcorn is delicious. As an alternative to s’mores, why not try popping some popcorn over the fire tonight! As long as you brush your teeth and floss well to avoid husk pieces getting stuck in your children’s teeth. Look for popcorn without added flavors or butter for a healthier option.
Trail Mixes
Looking for a midday snack? Trail mixes are loaded with proteins and low in carbohydrates, so they will not stick to your teeth. Create your own trail mix by incorporating an array of healthy great-tasting ingredients. Almonds are a good option because they taste great raw or tasted and contain both vitamin D and calcium. Essential components to building up tooth strength. Add pumpkin seeds for added omega 3s. Avoid dried fruit, there are tons of hidden sugars that will love to stick to your teeth.
The key to low sugar snacks is finding foods that taste great and are kid-approved. You can also always try to take your kid’s current favorite snacks and make a lower sugar version! Looking for more dentist-approved snacks? Ask about what we recommend at your next dentist appointment. Book with Strathroy Family Dental today!