Cavity Prevention Snack Ideas
If you have been trying to limit or decrease your sugar intake by eating only natural sugars, like those found in fruits and vegetables; but your mouth still waters whenever you're forced to wait in line and stare at the candy selection by the check-out counter...
What do you do?
We have five different snack ideas that are not only tasty, but help prevent cavities too!
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Seeds/Nuts (especially on top of yogurt or salads)
- Rich in both calcium and/or phosphorous, yet low in sugar
- Helps to rebuild and protect tooth enamel
- Try snacking on nuts like: almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts
- For those with nut allergies: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds
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Kale chips
- High in calcium to strengthen teeth
- Contains folate: a B vitamin that helps promote a healthy mouth, both inside and out
- Other leafy greens include: broccoli, spinach, collard greens, bok choy, okra
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Celery with hummus, or with peanut butter
- Chewing this firm vegetable promotes more saliva; saliva neutralizes cavity causing bacteria
- Abrasive substance that naturally cleans teeth of plaque and other food particles
- Also try other crunchy veggies like: carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower
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Apples (raw or dried apples)
- Contains many beneficial nutrients and vitamins; apples are high in fiber and water
- Similar characteristics to celery (abrasive and crunchy), and a good alternative if you can't brush and/or floss right after meals
- Leaving cut apple slices out overnight removes most of the water, but you won't have to worry about any preservatives or added sugar
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Frozen grapes
- Rich in antioxidants to fight bacterial growth
- Low levels of starch prevent bacterial infections (less acidic environment)
- A good source of vitamin C: a vitamin essential for protecting teeth and gum cells
Evidently, the most ideal foods contain high levels of vitamins, calcium and/or phosphorus. All of these nutrients strengthen your teeth, reduce the potential for tooth decay, and fight against cavity-causing bacteria. Although these snacks help to prevent and minimize cavities, they do not eliminate them; therefore to further avoid cavities, it is crucial to continue practicing good oral hygiene. Remember to rinse with water, then brush and floss your teeth after eating to prevent plaque.
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