Healthy Tooth-friendly Treats for the Whole Family

We understand that you may not always manage to fight off sugar cravings, and it might be challenging to maintain a healthy diet for your kids. Hopefully, preparing any of these Dr. Tomasik-approved summer treats can offer a healthy alternative to sugary snacks and acidic drinks, taking the edge off your cravings while also providing a little relief from the heat.

On an Outing

Whether you’re road-tripping across the Texas Hill Country, hiking the Boggy Creek Greenbelt trail, or watching your little one’s little league game, spending time with your family is important. But outings can also present a challenge when it comes to eating healthy and protecting your teeth. Here are some summer treats that taste great and keep your mouth in tip-top shape.

Cheese Cubes

Cheese is a dental superfood. It helps cut down on the growth of plaque and strengthens the enamel. As if that’s not enough proof of its benefits, cheese also balances your oral pH, which goes a long way in preventing cavities. Both yummy and healthy, cheese is truly a treat for the whole family.

Yogurt

Like cheese, sugar-free yogurt is also an ideal summer treat to keep your teeth healthy and strong. It reduces harmful mouth bacteria, heals mouth sores, and promotes healthy gums. You can flavor your yogurt with nuts or add berries and granola to make a parfait.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Apples, carrots, and celery are natural toothbrushes, scrubbing off plaque buildup and promoting saliva production to wash away harmful mouth bacteria. In a way, an apple a day can keep the doctor —ahem— dentist away … at least for a little while.

Treats For A Hot Summer Evening

Believe it or not, research shows that sugary drinks and salty snacks have similar addictive properties as nicotine. So when temperatures rise, it’s not uncommon for you to feel an overpowering thirst, not for water but for sugary sweetened drinks. So before you reach for your favorite energy drink, here’s what Dr. Tomasik suggests for those hot summer evenings.

Infused Water

Have you ever heard of anyone craving water? Of course not. Water is tasteless, and unless you’re thirsty, you have to consciously remind yourself to drink at least a glass every day. Enter infused water, where you can add fresh lemon juice, cucumber slices, or even a pinch of your favorite spices to really spice things up and add flavor to your water. Treats like this will be a win for the whole family

Crushed Ice

Looking for something a bit cooler to provide relief from the scorching Bee Cave, Texas, sun? Switch to crushed ice for all your beverages, including the kids’ mocktails. Crushed ice is better for your teeth and works just as well as ice cubes.

Frozen Yogurt Bites

No toddler or tween worth their weight will ever go for infused water over ice cream. But you may have better luck with frozen yogurt bites. Just pour a glass of yogurt into a plastic sandwich bag. Cut off one end and squeeze the plastic to make bite-size drops on a baking sheet. Put the sheet in the freezer for an hour or so and, voila, your frozen yogurt bite treats are ready.

Treats Kids Can Help Make

Getting your kids to abandon their favorite sugary snack for a healthier alternative might be easier than you think; let them help you make the snacks. Check out these simple (and tasty) ideas from Dr. Tomasik.

Ants on a Log

These treats are fun for kids to make. The key ingredient for ants on a log is celery. Your kids can help you fill the stalks with peanut butter and add their favorite dried fruits. It’s a super-easy way to get your child to eat a vegetable that’s one of nature’s natural toothbrushes and a delicious snack for adults too.

Veggie Pita Triangles

It’s amazing how quickly kids gobble up veggies as long as they’re served with dip. Let your child pick out a few vegetables, and they can even help you slice them. Spread some hummus dip on a whole-wheat pita triangle, stuff the veggies into the pocket, and you’ve got yourself winning kid-friendly summer treats.

Banana Ice Cream

Yes, make banana ice cream and let your child enjoy some natural sugar. All you need is some bananas and a blender. Slice the bananas into smaller chunks and put them in the blender. To add flavor and color, ask your child to choose their favorite berries like blueberries and add them to the blender. Mix it all together, let it sit in the freezer for an hour or two, and you’ve got a healthy alternative to the sugary store-bought ice cream.

July 4th Treats

The barbecues, sugary foods, and acidic drinks served on Independence Day family get-togethers can wreak havoc on the health of your teeth. Let’s see what Dr. Tomasik recommends you eat instead.

Corn off the Cob

Swap the high-sodium burgers for fresh, sweet corn off the cob. Like cheese, sweet corn is another dental superfood that’s rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and phosphorus. However, it’s difficult to eat corn neatly in this form, so remember to floss right after to remove any small particles that may have become wedged between your teeth.

Grilled Vegetables

Many tooth-friendly vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, apples, zucchinis, and pears, taste delicious when grilled. Add them to your 4th of July spread, and each time you hear the burgers and hot dogs calling your name, try to reach for grilled zucchini instead.

Schedule a cleaning or checkup with Tomasik Family Dental.

If you do slip up, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just remember to brush and floss right after. We also provide preventive dentistry services like dental cleanings and checkups to Bee Cave and Hill Country residents. This helps us identify oral health problems before they become problematic, keeping your teeth healthy and strong for longer. Make your appointment and see Dr. Tomasik today!