Snack time!!!
Nutrition is very important for the growth and development of children. And, as parents, it can be a challenge to create the well balanced diet! As a pediatric dentist, I am concerned with the small meals in between the three daily meals. Snacking or grazing (eating throughout the day) can lead to harmful effects in oral health. Set aside time for your child to sit down and eat his/her snack, treat it like a meal.
For toddlers using a bottle or sippy cup, we encourage milk only at meal times, and water throughout the day. We do not advise juice for toddlers and never any soda pop, chocolate milk, gatorade or other sugary drinks! Never give the infant/toddler milk or juice at bedtime. This is because as the child sleeps, salivary production declines and the mouth becomes dry which increases the damaging effects of the sugar. This leads to rampant decay, what people call "baby bottle decay." If your child insists on going to bed with a sippy cup or bottle, give only water.
We suggest the following for a snack with a glass of water:
Proteins: such as cheese: string cheese (mozzeralla) and tofu.
Vegetables: carrots or celery with hummus or ranch dressing, bell peppers.
Avoid the following snacks: crackers, white bread, raisins (and other dried fruit such as dried cranberries), honey, fruit roll-ups, fruit juices, caramel candy, peanut butter (surprisingly, can be very high in sugar!), jelly/jams, licorice
After every meal, we suggest brushing your child's teeth even if you can't use toothpaste. However, we understand that isn't always possible, therefore, have your child rinse and swallow water.
Consult with with your pediatric dentist if you have an other questions.
For toddlers using a bottle or sippy cup, we encourage milk only at meal times, and water throughout the day. We do not advise juice for toddlers and never any soda pop, chocolate milk, gatorade or other sugary drinks! Never give the infant/toddler milk or juice at bedtime. This is because as the child sleeps, salivary production declines and the mouth becomes dry which increases the damaging effects of the sugar. This leads to rampant decay, what people call "baby bottle decay." If your child insists on going to bed with a sippy cup or bottle, give only water.
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| Getting ready for a healhty snack! |
Proteins: such as cheese: string cheese (mozzeralla) and tofu.
Vegetables: carrots or celery with hummus or ranch dressing, bell peppers.
Nuts: almonds, walnuts and pistachios.(older children only)
Fruit: apples, pears, avocado, cucumbers and tomatoes.
Fruit: apples, pears, avocado, cucumbers and tomatoes.
Other: olives, popcorn ( older children), wheat/multi grain bread (low in simple sugar, see label)
Avoid the following snacks: crackers, white bread, raisins (and other dried fruit such as dried cranberries), honey, fruit roll-ups, fruit juices, caramel candy, peanut butter (surprisingly, can be very high in sugar!), jelly/jams, licorice
After every meal, we suggest brushing your child's teeth even if you can't use toothpaste. However, we understand that isn't always possible, therefore, have your child rinse and swallow water.
Consult with with your pediatric dentist if you have an other questions.
Hi, my name is Chris Dixon and I am a 2nd year pediatric dentistry resident. I came across your blog while gathering data for my research project. Just wanted to say how great your website and blog are, not too many pediatric dentists writing real informational blogs, most are for marketing puposes.
ReplyDeleteI write a blog as a pediatric dental resdient, it has been a great learning experience.
Anyways, just wanted to say fantastic job!
Thanks, I do my best. Its so important to get the correct information out on the internet!!
ReplyDeleteThis picture is adorable. I know my pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs must have it really good hanging out with cool little kids like that all day.
ReplyDelete