05 Mar What Types of Treats Are Good for Your Teeth?
Almost everyone will raise their hand when we ask them if they like treats! From toddlers to teens to seniors, we all like to enjoy something sweet from time to time. But if you’re worried about sugar causing cavities, you might feel guilty for enjoying them. Don’t worry—if you have a sweet tooth, we’ve got a list of teeth-friendly snacks and treats.
Three Ideas for Tooth-Friendly Snacks
1: Fancy Fruit Plate
Slice up some apples and top them with almond butter – sprinkle with unsweetened coconut flakes for some extra goodness.
2: Charcuterie Board
Cube up a few cheeses you like to indulge in and indulge in some charcuterie? Cheeses like gouda, Swiss, cheddar, and Monterey jack are all good for your oral health. To make your snack even better for your teeth, add some pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. These nuts and seeds have lots of vitamins and minerals that support good dental health.
3: Bowl of Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt with Your Favorite Mixings
Cottage cheese is delicious and good for our teeth! Serve it savory with things like chunked avocado, a soft-boiled egg, and furikake. If you want something sweet, go for a classic: plain Greek yogurt with banana and strawberry slices sprinkled with chia seeds. Yogurt and cottage cheese both have calcium, which we all know is good for our teeth.
What Types of Candy Are Good for Your Teeth?
1: Dark Chocolate
As long as you’re choosing an option that’s actually low in sugar, chocolate can be quite good for your teeth. Chocolate is rich in antioxidants that support good dental health—it’s the sugar that’s the problem. Zotter is a brand dedicated to fair-trade and sustainability, as well as incredible chocolate products. They even have dairy-free, oat milk chocolates with zero added sugar.
2: Sugar-Free Hard Candy
Hard candy can be one of the worst treats to snack on, because it exposes your teeth to sugar for such a long period of time. However, hard candy that’s sweetened with xylitol or stevia can actually help you fight tooth decay. These sugar-free sweeteners inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause plaque, reducing your risk of cavities.
What are the best sugar free candies? We like the ones from Dr. Johns—they’re made with sugar substitutes and have flavors ranging from tangy and fruity to a comforting butterscotch. We can vouch for these candies—they’re delicious!
3: Sugar-Free Licorice
Normally, we wouldn’t recommend licorice because of the way it sticks to your teeth. But sugar-free licorice is a much safer option. Look for licorice that’s made with sugar alcohols ending in “-ol” (erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and others).
Comprehensive Dental Care in Sun Lakes
Saba and Chiappetti Dental Associates is ready to provide you with exceptional dental care. We have a gentle touch, and we’ll make your visit as comfortable as can be. We are committed to serving out patients patients with personalized care from regular cleanings to denture fittings. Call us to make an appointment today (480)895-2111