As a parent, you love seeing your children's bright smiles. Often, they like the idea of a sweet treat after school. However, specific snacks can contribute to bacteria development in the mouth, leading to cavities and other dental care issues. To preserve their oral health, consider giving your kids some of the following to satisfy their sweet tooths.

What Sweets Are Better for Kids?

1. Apples

While many kids like fruit, apples are consistently voted the most popular option. Available in flavor profiles that range from sweet and fizzy to sour, they contain high amounts of Vitamin C and other nutrients. For the most oral health benefits, encourage your children to eat them raw, as the crunchy texture naturally scrubs enamel, almost like a toothbrush. Apples also stimulate saliva production, which washes away food residue. Because saliva is alkaline, it can help combat the effects of acid in the mouth.

2. Yogurt

Yogurt can come in many dessert flavors, including cheesecake or French vanilla. However, these cups aren't as many calories as their real-world counterparts and contain a lot of calcium, which helps strengthen enamel and tooth roots. 

However, be careful about what toppings you add to yogurt. While nutrients in cranberries and blueberries protect against harmful tooth bacteria, granola is sticky and can get lodged in between teeth, encouraging plaque growth. To avoid this, have your children brush their teeth after consuming this treat.

3. Sugar-Free Gum

Many people have dry mouths, especially if they don't tend to breathe through their noses. This can raise their risk of oral health conditions, like gingivitis and bad breath, because it means that the mouth is not producing enough saliva to wash away food particulates and bacteria. Chewing helps stimulate the reflex that makes saliva, so giving your kids sugar-free gum to chew can serve as a proactive measure.

4. Dark Chocolate

Just like you, your child might also have days where they crave chocolate. Contrary to what some might believe, this dessert has genuine health benefits, especially in its dark form. For example, it contains fiber and antioxidants and, when eaten in moderation, can have positive effects on the heart. More importantly for dental care, it has polyphenols that can interfere with the process bacteria use to bring about tooth decay. It also has properties that stop bacteria from sticking to teeth. When giving chocolate as a treat, pair it with a glass of milk to provide your son or daughter with a boost of enamel-fortifying calcium.

If you're looking for a dental care team for your child, trust the professionals at Pedodontic Associates. They will provide biannual cleanings and checkups to make sure any oral care issues are caught and treated early so that your kid's smile remains as beautiful as ever. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 735-1733 for their Honolulu, HI, location, (808) 877-0066 to reach Maui, or (808) 487-7933 for Pearlridge. Visit the website to find information for new patients.