Summertime brings with it the opportunity to introduce new and nutritious snack recipes to your children. While the focus is always on a balanced diet, oral health can sometimes be overlooked. Here are five simple and healthy summer snack recipes that not only tantalize your child's taste buds but also contribute to their oral health. As a mother, these have been some of Dr. Casey's go-to for her family.
Cheesy Whole Grain Crackers
Cheese is rich in calcium, which is an essential mineral for strengthening your child's teeth. It is also known for stimulating saliva production, which helps to rinse away food particles and neutralize harmful acids. This snack is a great one for kids of all ages, as it is easy to make and eat!
Recipe
◦ 1 cup of shredded cheese
◦ Whole grain crackers
Simply spread your choice of shredded cheese on top of the crackers and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese melts. This should only take a few minutes. Allow them to cool, then enjoy them as a crisp, cheesy delight to share with your children. For those whose children may have dairy-specific dietary restrictions, there are great alternatives to diary-based cheese. Some of these options include hummus, tahini, and plant-based cheese products.
Crunchy Carrot and Hummus Dip
Carrots are known as 'nature's toothbrush,' because they help scrub away food particles. Their high Vitamin A content also strengthens our tooth enamel. Pairing carrots with hummus, which is rich in protein, supplies a nutrient-packed for your child to munch on!
Recipe:
◦ 2 cups of baby carrots
◦ 1 cup of hummus
Hummus is an awesome snack for kids and adults alike! It is delicious, comes in many flavors, and can be enjoyed with many dippable snacks. All your child needs to do is dip the crunchy carrots in the hummus and enjoy! Other delicious vegetables that can be enjoyed with hummus are celery, bell pepper slices, grape tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and many more.
Berry and Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt, with its probiotics, aids in balancing the bacteria in your child's mouth - especially the good bacteria. The berries provide antioxidants and Vitamin C that are extremely beneficial for your child's gum health. This recipe combines these three fantastic ingredients.
Recipe:
◦ 1 cup of unsweetened Greek yogurt
◦ 1 cup of mixed berries
◦ 1 tablespoon of honey
Layer the Greek yogurt and mixed berries in a cup or bowl. For this recipe, we love strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries! However, we encourage you to use whatever berries your family likes best! Drizzle some honey on top for some added natural sweetness. This is best served chilled with either fresh or frozen berries.
Almond Butter and Banana Roll-ups
Almonds are great sources of calcium and phosphorus which promote the health of your child's tooth enamel! Bananas are rich in Vitamin C and manganese which both support the health of their gums! This recipe combines the two in a delicious, hand-held treat your child will love!
Recipe:
◦ 1 whole-grain tortilla
◦ 2 tablespoons of almond butter
◦ 1 ripe banana
This recipe calls for "almond butter," but it can be substituted for any other nut butter or nut butter alternative. We even enjoy spreads like jams, chocolate hummus, hazelnut cream, and even marshmallow cream for an extra special treat. Spread the almond butter (or alternative) evenly on the tortilla. Place the banana at one end and roll it up tightly. You can even slice it into bite-sized pieces for fun, nutritious finer food.
Frozen Strawberry Pops
Strawberries are high in antioxidants and Vitamin C and contain malic acid, which is a natural tooth whitener. This means they are incredibly beneficial for your child's oral health. This frozen treat is great for cooling off in this intense Texas heat! There is no doubt that your children will enjoy this refreshing recipe, as is perfect for hot summer days.
Recipe:
◦ 2 cups of fresh strawberries
◦ 1 cup of water
Blend the strawberries with water until smooth. Then pour the mixture into a popsicle tray, cups, or an ice cube tray. These are easiest to serve with popsicle sticks or a similar alternative. Freeze your tasty treats! One frozen, serve them to your family as a sweet and healthy to cool down. You can substitute a variety of fruits or juices to create your unique frozen snack too!
These easy-to-make, delicious, and healthy summer snack recipes ensure that your child is not just enjoying their summer vacation but also snacking on healthy throughout. Each ingredient in these recipes has been selected for its specific benefits to oral health, whether it's cheese for its calcium content, carrots for its 'brushing' action, yogurt for its probiotics, berries for their high antioxidant levels, or almonds for their beneficial minerals.
Remember that while these recipes help support oral health, they're not a substitute for regular dental hygiene. Encourage your child to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, and make periodic visits to the dentist. That way, your child can enjoy their summer treats while keeping a bright, healthy smile. To schedule your child's next dental visit feel free to contact us.
