Easy Healthy Dental Snacks
As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is eating healthy snacks that promote overall health, including dental health. Snacks that are high in sugar or carbohydrates can lead to cavities and other dental problems, which can be painful and expensive to treat.
We understand that parents are always on- the-go and sometimes must resort to unhealthy, sugary snacks. So, we put together a few of our quick recipes. The key is to combine a couple of ingredients, making the snacks more appetizing. For a full list of tooth-healthy foods that you can pair together, visit our article by clicking here. Have fun, get your child involved, and create your own combinations for more variety.
Here are three recipes for kid's snacks that promote good oral health:
1. Apple Slices with Almond Butter:
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- 2 tablespoons of almond butter
- A pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Cut the apple into slices.
2. Spread almond butter onto each slice.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of the almond butter.
4. Serve and enjoy!
Apples are high in fiber and almond butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats and is low in sugar.
2. Carrot and Hummus Dippers:
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots
- 1/4 cup of hummus
Instructions:
1. Cut the carrots into sticks.
2. Spoon the hummus into a small cup.
3. Dip the carrots into the hummus and enjoy!
Carrots are high in fiber and hummus is a good source of protein and is low in sugar.
3. Frozen Yogurt Bites:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of plain (no sugar added) Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the yogurt, berries, and honey in a small bowl.
3. Spoon the mixture onto the parchment paper in small bite-sized portions.
4. Freeze for 1 hour.
5. Serve and enjoy!
Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for strong teeth and bones. Berries are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, which can help to promote good oral health. Honey is a natural sweetener and can be less harmful to teeth than processed sugars.
Good Dental Hygiene is Important Too
It's important to remember that healthy snacks are just one part of a good dental hygiene routine. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also essential for maintaining good oral health.