9 Dentist-Approved Snack Ideas for the Whole Family To Enjoy
We all know that old expression, you are what you eat. And if you think about it, it’s true. Our bodies respond positively when we eat healthy foods, running like well-oiled machines. Eating poorly makes us feel sluggish and fatigued, experiencing highs and sugar crashes throughout the day. But what we eat can impact our oral health, not just our overall health. Check out this list of healthy snack ideas that you and your entire family will love. And trust us, the chances are that your family doctor will approve too.
9 Healthy Snack Ideas to Enjoy
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by paying attention to what we eat. Our food directly impacts our teeth and gums, and poor dietary habits can lead to various dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. By making smart choices and incorporating nutritious snacks into our diets, we can help protect our oral health and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Your preventive dentistry team near Buffalo, MN has compiled a list of nine healthy snack ideas that are delicious and great for your teeth. Try these snacks and enjoy them, knowing they’re good for oral health.
1. Chia Seed Pudding
This chia seed pudding recipe only requires three ingredients (chia seeds, milk, and honey) and contains antioxidants. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy digestion, keep us feeling full, and support heart health.
2. Hummus and Pita Chips
Hummus is a healthy and nutritious food as it is high in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals, which can help support digestion, heart health, and overall well-being. While you can likely buy these items at your local grocery store, you must check the ingredients and nutrition facts. We recommend you try this hummus and pita recipe at home to control better what goes into it.
3. Guacamole
Guacamole is a healthy food option because it contains avocadoes which are full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and K, which can help to support a healthy immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy digestion. Try this homemade guacamole dip at home.
4. Healthier Chocolate Hazelnut Dip
Have you ever tried Nutella? If you have, the chances are you loved it and are a big fan of using it as a dip for your favorite fruits. And while we love Nutella, it tends to be high in sugar and calories. This homemade chocolate hazelnut dip is fun. Rest assured, too, that despite how delicious this snack is, it’s good for you. After all, hazelnuts are a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones. They also contain compounds that can help neutralize harmful acids in the mouth and reduce inflammation, promoting healthy teeth and gums.
5. Overnight Oats
Though it’s been debunked that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, that doesn’t mean it isn’t essential. Getting some fuel in our bodies at the start of the day can help provide the energy to get through those first few hours of work, school, or play. And overnight oats are easy to make. Plus, oats provide a great source of fiber and contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and harmful bacteria in the mouth, promoting healthy teeth and gums and supporting digestive health. We love this overnight oats recipe and think you will too.
6. Easy Homemade Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love some ice cream on a hot summer day? But the ice cream you can buy at the grocery store is often full of sugar and excess calories. Try this homemade ice cream recipe made with frozen bananas and chocolate. We also love this two-ingredient peanut butter ice cream.
7. Cheese
Incorporating cheese into your diet, in moderation, can be a great way to support your oral health. Cheese is a good source of calcium, essential for strong teeth and bones, and it also contains a protein called casein, which can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities by neutralizing harmful acids in the mouth. Your Dental Care Associates of Buffalo team loves cheddar, Swiss, and monterey jack. Head to your local cheese counter and experiment with aged variations. Be sure to pair your cheese with some crunchy veggies or fresh fruit.
8. Chicken or Egg Salad
Chicken salad and egg salad are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining strong teeth and bones, and great for a quick lunch on the go. They also contain vitamins and minerals that can support overall health, including vitamins B12 and D, and iron. However, avoid adding excessive amounts of sugar or mayonnaise, which can negatively affect your oral health. We like this chicken salad recipe, and this easy egg salad recipe will have you craving for seconds.
9. Ants-on-a-log
This one has been a classic for ages. Not only will your kids love this easy-to-make ants-on-a-log recipe, but chances are your grandparents before you did too. To make things better, ants-on-a log is a healthy snack option because it is low in calories, high in fiber, and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin C, which can help to support digestive health, promote healthy bones, and boost the immune system.
Planning ahead makes it easier to prepare healthy snacks for your family to enjoy.
Planning can make a big difference when preparing healthy snacks for your family. By taking a few simple steps, you can save time and ensure you always have nutritious snack options. Check out these simple tips to make your food preparation and planning just a little bit easier.
- Buy fruit when it’s in season—Not only is it more affordable, but seasonal produce is often at its peak flavor and nutritional value. You can slice the fruit and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick and easy snack.
- Make a snack tray or container in the morning—This can include various healthy options such as sliced vegetables, cheese, crackers, and fruit. With a pre-made snack tray, you can quickly grab something nutritious or offer your kids a healthy snack when they come home from school. Plus, having various options can make snacking more enjoyable for everyone.
- Involve your kids when choosing snacks—Giving them some say in what they eat may make them more likely to try new foods and develop healthy habits. You can create a list of healthy snack options and let them choose which ones they want to try. When kids are involved in the process, they may be more excited about healthy snacking and less likely to reach for less nutritious options. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can make healthy snacking a part of your family’s routine.
- Have water bottles ready—Invest in reusable water bottles that you and your kids can fill up whenever they are thirsty. Water is essential for maintaining good oral health as it helps rinse away food particles, neutralize harmful acids, and promote saliva production, which helps protect teeth and gums from decay and infection.
Share your favorite healthy snack ideas with us during your next appointment.
We love learning about and trying new healthy snacks. If you have a tooth-friendly and healthy snack idea, we want to know about it. Request your next appointment today.