We all want to make healthy snack choices for our children, but even seemingly nutritious options can hide unexpected risks for their teeth. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, many “healthy” snacks, like fruit juice and granola bars, can pack as much sugar as soda.
These sugars, along with sticky or acidic ingredients, create the perfect environment for cavities. Understanding what’s really in your child’s favorite snacks can help protect their teeth and set them up for a lifetime of good oral health
Why Fruit Juice Isn’t Always a Healthy Choice
Fruit juices, even those labeled as “natural,” are often high in sugar. In fact, ounce for ounce, they contain as much sugar and calories as soda. Instead, encourage your child to eat fresh fruits, like oranges or apples, which offer vitamins and fiber without the added sugar. Click here to book a dental appointment.
Watch Out for Sugary Yogurts
Many yogurt snacks marketed to kids are loaded with sugar. Popular yogurt tubes and “kid-friendly” varieties may seem healthy but can harm teeth. Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and add fresh fruit for flavor. Avoid yogurt-covered snacks, as they lack probiotics and are mostly sugar.
Granola Bars: A Sticky Situation
Granola bars often appear healthy but are typically packed with sugar and calories. Worse, their sticky texture clings to teeth, especially in pits and grooves, making them difficult to clean.
The Cavity Risk of Crackers
Crackers, though not sweet, can still cause cavities. Once chewed, they become sticky and hard to remove from teeth. Keep this in mind when choosing snacks for your child. Click here to book a dental appointment.
Fruit Snacks and Dried Fruit: Sweet but Harmful
Fruit roll-ups, 100% juice fruit snacks, and even natural dried fruits like raisins or apricots are often sticky and sugar-laden. These snacks cling to teeth and can linger even after brushing. Consider fresh fruit instead for a tooth-friendly option.
Be Wary of Vitamin Gummies
Vitamin gummies may seem convenient, but their sticky, sugary texture can harm teeth. Opt for vitamins sweetened with xylitol instead, which is safer for oral health.
Sugar-Free Soda: Not a Safe Alternative
While sugar-free sodas lack sugar, their acidity can still erode enamel and damage teeth over time.
Take Control of Your Child’s Oral Health
Choosing tooth-friendly snacks helps protect your child’s smile. Have questions about cavity prevention or snack options? Schedule a visit with our pediatric dental team in Vancouver or South Surrey. Together, we’ll ensure your child develops healthy habits for a lifetime of smiles!
Book An Appointment
As with adults, your child needs to get their teeth cleaned and a dental checkup every six months. Kids should start going to the dentist soon after their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday, whichever happens first. Click here to book a dental appointment.