Sciota, Pennsylvania
Do your kids come home from school each day ravenously hungry, in a relentless pursuit of snacks? This is quite common; after all, growing bodies need a lot of fuel to make sure they develop physically and mentally to be their best. You probably have heard the old saying “you are what you eat” and when it comes to after-school snacks, this definitely applies. What your child chooses as an after-school snack can make a big difference—positive or negative—in their oral health. That’s why your dentist in Sciota compiled this guide to recommended after-school snacks, and snacks to avoid.
Limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks
Do your children consider cookies, candy, and soda as three of the four food groups? A sweet tooth is common among kids (and even many adults), but too many sugary snacks can be bad for your oral health as well as your overall health. Sugar is the favorite food source for the cavity-causing bacteria that exist naturally in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars present in the mouth. The sugars then are excreted as acid, where they can wear down the protective outer layer of your tooth structure known as tooth enamel. Carbonated drinks can be a double threat to dental health; not only are they high in sugar, but the carbonation is made possible through acids that can do their own damage.
We recognize that it is unrealistic to forbid your child from partaking in any sweet treats or sugary drinks. However, you can limit the consumption of these treats to make them special treats, rather than daily options for snacks.
Stick to these snacks to help your children’s dental health
Crunchy fruits and vegetables: This actually stimulates the production of saliva, a natural way your mouth helps keep your teeth scrubbed clean of accumulated food particles and bacteria. If your child is picky about produce, try combining berries with a flavor of yogurt they like, or providing hummus with raw carrots and celery.
Dairy products: Cheese, milk and yogurt are good sources of protein that also are high in calcium. Dairy products also neutralize any lingering acids in the mouth.
Water: While milk is an option, water remains the healthiest beverage choice you can make because it is calorie-free, sugar-free, and the best possible source of pure hydration.
When you eat matters (almost) as much as what you eat
It takes about 30 minutes after eating for saliva to neutralize any remaining acids in the mouth and clear away lingering food particles. Snacking throughout the day prevents saliva from doing what it is supposed to do. Try to keep designated snack times, as opposed to letting your children graze on food throughout the day. This can damage young teeth, even if the food choices are healthy ones.
Family dentistry in Sciota, Pennsylvania
What you eat plays a major factor in determining your oral health. For this reason, Quiet Valley Dental can offer nutrition counseling that includes advice on the potential effects of their food choices, as well as how nutrition can help lower your risk of tooth decay. We also offer this counseling during appointments for your children as part of our program of pediatric dentistry.
Quiet Valley Dental wants to set up your child for a lifetime of good oral health. To find out more about our services, call (570) 992-7040 or complete our online appointment request form.
