Life is busy, and sometimes families need to snack while away from home. But you don’t have to sacrifice your oral health just because you’re snacking on the go. Here are some ideas for healthy snacks on the go!

Nuts

Nuts are rich in protein, which helps build stronger teeth. Nuts are a great healthy alternative to potato chips or other salty snacks that your kids may crave. With braces, it’s best to use nut butters like almond butter and peanut butter. Avoid chewing on hard foods.

Apples

Apples are high-fiber fruits that naturally clean teeth as they’re being eaten. Apples scrub your teeth, gums, and tongue, help fight plaque buildup, and help remove surface stains from teeth. Apples also fight bad breath by removing traces of bad plaque and residue from the back of the tongue. Keep the skin on the apple slices, so that your child gets all of the oral health benefits. Cut the apple into slices; don’t risk biting into an apple; you may regret it.

Cheese

Cheese is high in calcium and promotes strong teeth. But the benefits of cheese don’t end there. It also contains a protein called casein, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps to prevent cavities. String cheese is a healthy, FUN snack that everyone loves to eat!

Always Bring Water

Water is one of the best tools for keeping mouths clean. When preparing a snack for your child on the go, grab a water bottle instead of a juice box. Encourage your kids to swish water around in their mouth after they’re done snacking, it helps remove food bits that get caught in their teeth and can lead to enamel loss and acid buildup.

Healthy Diets Mean Happier Teeth

A mouth-healthy diet is an important part of maintaining optimal oral health. If you’re concerned about how your child’s diet may be affecting their teeth, bring them to our office. We can discuss healthy, delicious dietary options that kids love and strengthen teeth.

If you have questions, we are here to answer them! Call our office at 703-263-0575.