Healthy Alternatives for Summer Snacks

'girl eating watermelon'With the heat of Summer coming upon us, it is time to prepare with some healthy tips for your child’s snacks. Swapping out unhealthy snack choices for healthier ones can make a world of difference in protecting your child’s teeth from tooth decay and cavities!

Swap out those juice boxes for some fresh fruit

While juice boxes are yummy and easy, the best way to eat fruit is to eat fruit! Juice boxes contain unnecessary added sugars, which feed tooth-decaying bacteria and preservatives, whereas fruit contains natural sugars and essential vitamins.

Why drinks sports drinks when you can have water?

Sports drinks can cause cavities in between your little one’s teeth due to the added sugar. Water, which has no added sugar, is a much better option, and helps clean teeth! Electrolyte replacement is only needed if your child has been exercising in excessive heat. Otherwise, if you want to replenish your child’s energy levels, try giving them just water and fruit, which contains natural sugars and electrolytes.

Craving salt?

Salt cravings can be a real thing. So, when your kiddo is craving some salt (it can happen to you too!), try eating pretzels and crackers instead of more unhealthy snacks such as potato chips or French fries. You can still satisfy that salty craving, minus the grease and starch.

Got a sweet tooth? You don’t need to stop eating sweets altogether.

While everyone loves a good Baby Bottle Pop, sometimes loaded sugary candies aren’t the best for your child’s teeth. Instead, swap out that sugar for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains healthy antioxidants and is rich in nutrients such as Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and much more. All in all, dark chocolate is much better for your child’s health as well as their teeth!

Remember, you can always call on Great Grins Children's Dental Specialists for tips on caring for your child’s teeth. Simply give us a call at Great Grins For Kids Phone Number 502-231-1418.