So you're a proud parent of a child who has just returned from the dentist with a great check-up, and you want to pass that proud feeling on to other parents in the neighborhood by handing out tooth-friendly treats for Halloween. Well, the following list of alternative treats is both dentist - and kid-approved, which is sure to keep your door free from splatter and might even have a few parents sneaking into their kid's goodies.
Low-Sugar Yogurt Squeezers
Yogurt is derived from cow's milk, so it is packed full of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for growing kids, including calcium, which helps build healthy teeth and bones. It also tastes great, which many kids love. Therefore, consider replacing your usual sugary Halloween goodies with a fun, delicious squeezable yogurt tube instead for a satisfying treat parents can feel good about. There is also a Greek yogurt version, which is especially suitable for kids active in sports because it contains more protein, which helps repair tissue after physical exertion.
Just freeze the yogurt tube anywhere from a day to a few days ahead of time. This way, when you then pass them out, they'll still be cool by the time the trick-or-treaters return home.
Unsweetened Applesauce Cups
Though whole apples are always the best option for providing nutrients, applesauce also contains many of the same nutrients, including Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, but usually in lower amounts, which makes it great for an occasional treat, such as Halloween. Just be sure to avoid products with added sugar, which can be damaging to the teeth.
100% Fruit Juice Boxes
Again, whole fruits are always the best option for providing nutrients, and they also contain fiber, which provides teeth cleaning benefits. However, fruit juice still provides essential nutrients, and it is also a great way to sneak fruits and vegetables into kids' diets. Therefore, consider handing out juice boxes as opposed to candy for a dental conscious treat, provided it is comprised of 100% fruit juice. Many juice boxes contain added sugar for flavoring, which can increase the risk of cavities.
All Natural, No Sugar Added Fruit Trail Mix Snack Packs
Fruit trail mix contains a combination of "good for you" ingredients, including:
- Nuts - high in protein, which is an essential building block for growth
- A carbohydrate, such as dry cereal - provides energy
- Dried fruits - contain fiber and vitamin C, which are good for healthy gums
Low-fat Cheddar Cheese Sticks
Low-fat cheddar cheese sticks are loaded with teeth-strengthening benefits, including calcium, which helps build healthy bones and teeth, and casein phosphate, which helps remineralize the teeth. Cheese also increases saliva, which helps wash away food, neutralizes plaque acids, and provides a barrier to safeguard the teeth against tooth decay and cavities. Just be sure to select the low-fat version as whole milk products are often high in saturated fat, which in excess can have detrimental effects later on.
Just freeze the cheese sticks about a day before Halloween, so that once you pass them out, they'll be ready to eat by the end of the night.
As a dental hygiene-conscious parent, you want to know that you are doing your best to help protect kids teeth by avoiding giving them sugary treats, which can eat away at the enamel and eventually cause cavities. When selecting tooth-friendly alternatives, beware of products geared towards kids as they are often loaded with sugar. Instead, look for all natural, low-sugar options, which are better for the teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Marichia Attala is a leading Nassau County Periodontist. Learn more by visiting her website at NassauCountyPeriodontist.com
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