We know that
getting kids and teens to eat healthy isn’t always an easy task, especially
when they’re busy with school and other activities. And as parents…we’re even
busier. It’s OK to admit that sometimes it’s just easier to grab fast food on
the way home from work or toss our kids a couple bucks to purchase lunch in the
school cafeteria. But proper nutrition not only insures that our kids will grow
into healthy adults, it also insures that the money we spent on their
orthodontic care does not go to waste.
Did you know
that a proper diet provides all the essential nutrients to bones and tissues
undergoing change? So, the healthier you are, the better the results of your
orthodontic treatment.
Knowing
this…we thought we’d pass along five quick, delicious and nutritious snacks
your kids are sure to love.
1. Cheese –
Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child’s teeth. In addition to
providing calcium, cheese also helps fight cavities. According to the American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Cheese stimulates the body’s salivary glands to
clear the mouth of debris. This means cheese disrupts the development of
cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Also…the
Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese prevents decreases in the plaque’s ph
level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child’s teeth.
2.
Blueberries - Blueberries are loaded with Vitamin C, as well as folic acid,
minerals, fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals, which have shown to help
prevent cancer and diabetes. Try adding blueberries as a topping to cereal or
even mix them into muffins and pancakes…the kids will love that.
3. Whole
Wheat Bread – Whole wheat bread gives kids their iron, vitamins, magnesium, and
zinc. So instead of making a sandwich on white bread for lunch…use Whole Wheat
Bread instead. It’s a little change that will make a big impact.
4. Oatmeal -
Instead of high-sugar, high-fat options from the grocery store, try baking a
batch of low-fat oatmeal cookies. Raisins, cranberries, dried apricots and nuts
can be great additions to the cookie dough because of their nutritional value
& taste.
5. Yogurt -
Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential
for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Consider Yogurt as an alternative to
ice-cream for dessert. When mixed with berries and granola…yogurt is a tasty
treat.
For more
information about which foods are best for keeping your kids and their teeth
healthy…feel free to give us a call, post a comment here on our blog or ask us
on Facebook!
