Cavity Prevention Snack Ideas

If you have been trying to limit or decrease your sugar intake by eating only natural sugars, like those found in fruits and vegetables; but your mouth still waters whenever you're forced to wait in line and stare at the candy selection by the check-out counter...

What do you do?

Aurora dentist, Dr. Weingarten has five different snack ideas that are not only tasty but help prevent cavities too!

1. Seeds/Nuts (especially on top of yogurt or salads)
   • Rich in both calcium and/or phosphorous, yet low in sugar
   • Helps to rebuild and protect tooth enamel
   • Try snacking on nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts
   • For those with nut allergies: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds
2. Kale chips
   • High in calcium to strengthen teeth
   • Contains folate: a B vitamin that helps promote a healthy mouth, both inside and out
   • Other leafy greens include: broccoli, spinach, collard greens, bok choy, okra
3. Celery with hummus, or with peanut butter
   • Chewing this firm vegetable promotes more saliva; saliva neutralizes cavity-causing bacteria
   • An abrasive substance that naturally cleans teeth of plaque and other food particles
   • Also try other crunchy veggies like carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower
4. Apples (raw or dried apples)
   • Contains many beneficial nutrients and vitamins; apples are high in fibre and water
   • Similar characteristics to celery (abrasive and crunchy), and a good alternative if you can't brush and/or floss right after meals
   • Leaving cut apple slices out overnight removes most of the water, but you won't have to worry about any preservatives or added sugar
5. Frozen grapes
   • Rich in antioxidants to fight bacterial growth
   • Low levels of starch prevent bacterial infections (less acidic environment)
   • A good source of vitamin C: a vitamin essential for protecting teeth and gum cells

Evidently, the most ideal foods contain high levels of vitamins, calcium and/or phosphorus. All of these nutrients strengthen your teeth, reduce the potential for tooth decay, and fight against cavity-causing bacteria. Although these snacks help to prevent and minimize cavities, they do not eliminate them; to further avoid cavities, it is crucial to continue practicing good oral hygiene.