A child who reaches for the carrots and raw broccoli instead of the fruit snacks or sugary cereal is a rarity, to say the least. For most parents out there, getting kids to eat healthy foods and tooth friendly snacks – or even just eat less sugar – can be a real struggle.
Sugar just tastes good, and most kids don’t understand or fully grasp the importance of eating a balanced diet that is low in sugars. They don’t know that aside from causing cavities, a diet that is high in sugar can also lead to a multitude of other health problems like childhood obesity and diabetes says best teeth whitening dentist.
But parents know and want the best for their children. If you’re trying to get your kid to eat less sugar, try making some of these dental hygiene tips for children. They’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
A lot of children can be picky when it comes to vegetables, but hummus adds a savoury element that makes them much more palatable and a perfect tooth friendly snacks. Hummus comes in pretty much every flavour imaginable and is packed with protein that will keep your kids fuller, longer.
You can dip just about anything in it, but some of the most popular veggies for this are carrots, broccoli, and peppers. Try serving with warm pita bread for added whole grains!
If your kids are die-hard sugar eaters, yoghurt can be an easy snack substitution. Yoghurt is usually sweet and easy to customise but be careful! Even though it is generally considered healthy, certain brands can actually contain more sugar than a candy bar. It’s important to use low-fat yoghurts, and to watch the sugar content of what you use.
Start with a low-fat, low-sugar yoghurt base. They come in many flavours, and you can add in your kids’ favourite fruits. For a little crunch, try adding in nuts, dark chocolate chips, or low-sugar granola.
This is a quick and easy snack that almost any kid will eat. Just slice up your child’s favourite apple – pears also work – and serve with cheese cubes. The apples are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and the cheese has all the healthy fats, protein, and calcium that growing bodies need.
It might be a little cliché, but avocado toast is a real crowd pleaser at any age. It is easily customisable and contains a lot of healthy fats that are great for children. You can serve the avocado sliced or mashed and with pretty much any spice or add on. Some of the most popular ways to eat it are mashed with lemon juice and garlic or served sliced with salt and tomatoes. Make with whole grain or multigrain toast – white bread is just empty calories!
While choosing tooth-friendly snacks for your kids is a major part of a child’s health, routine dental check-ups are another important factor, and one that is too often overlooked. Dentist gosford recommend a thorough dental cleaning every 6 months – if your child is overdue for a visit, call emergency dentist central coast today to schedule a check-up today!