School is out and it’s time for summer fun! Whether it’s a trip to the beach, going camping or hiking, or spending time at sports games or barbeques, there’s no doubt your family will be on the go. But with all that time away from home or on the road, it can be easy to slip into unhealthy snacking habits! The dentists at Dakota Dental want patients to have some tips and snack ideas to make sure everyone has healthy teeth all summer long.
Healthy Snack Substitutes
Summer menus can sneak in a lot of excess sugars, so it’s important to plan ahead with some healthier alternatives. This slideshow gives a great visual of healthy snack substitutes. For instance, make sure to take plenty of water with you on trips to avoid drinking sugary sports drinks and sodas. And pack pretzels and crackers instead of potato chips on your next picnic – they provide the same salty crunch, but whole wheat will cause less starchy buildup than the processed starch in potato chips.
Tasty Snack Ideas
By having healthy snacks packed ahead of time for road trips, sports games, or time at the beach, you can avoid stopping at fast food restaurants or concession stands and loading up on foods that can cause tooth decay.
Some healthy ideas for snacks include:
- Veggies and dip
- Hummus and pita bread
- Yogurt with fresh berries
- Sliced watermelon
Snacks that can be easily taken on the go include nuts, trail mix, string cheese, apples, grapes, carrots, and celery. If you do indulge in sodas, starches or sweet snacks, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterwards to prevent buildup on your teeth — and to keep up with your regular brushing and flossing routine, too.
Make sure your oral health routine doesn’t take a summer vacation. For more advice on taking care of your teeth and preventative dental care tips, contact the Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental today!