Snacking is fun and fulfilling for most of us. Some of us have some dietary restrictions that may include oral health issues that prevent snacking on some things. Finding a healthy satisfying teeth-friendly snack can be a challenge. We will talk about some snacking options for everyone.

Avoid Soft and Sticky Foods

Healthy and yummy oftentimes don’t go well together. Even if you are at a social distancing barbeque, you can still create a healthy alternative to traditional barbeque foods. No matter where you are make good choices using these guidelines. Soft and sticky foods tend to leave residue and particles on the teeth. Bread, buns, cakes, and cookies will leave behind particles that can turn into plaque. Try to avoid these foods if possible. As always brushing and flossing after each meal is recommended by the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa.


Smoothies

Smoothies that are made with your favorite fruits are delicious and very healthy. Some fruits are so sweet that you don’t have to add sugar. The natural sugar from the fresh fruit will satisfy any sweet tooth out there. Adding ice cubes will give you the chill that you need for hot summer days and add enough water to keep you hydrated. The main thing is to find snacks that are good for your teeth. Adding vegetables and fruits to a smoothie will give you a full range of vitamins and minerals as well.


Fruit and Vegetable Platter

For the most part, choosing fresh fruits and vegetables is going to be the best option. Crunchy foods are great for helping remove plaque and soft debris from the above the surfaces of the gums of the teeth. A vegetable tray that offers a wide variety of options is perfect for your teeth. Fresh, raw vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, offer up a good crunch and a need to be chewed properly for digestion. Soft foods like berries can just be smashed by your tongue against the palate and don’t rely on the chewing action to be swallowed easily. The crunchy texture will help scrub off some of the softer food choices from earlier and provide good muscle function with the action of chewing completely. A fruit platter with plenty of raw crunchy selections is also a good idea to help remove the soft particles that may end up in the small grooves and surfaces of the teeth. Fresh apples, pears, and other crunchy fruits are the best to choose.

Cheese

Cheese is soft, however, it provides the calcium and other minerals needed to strengthen teeth and help prevent gum diseases. Adding a cheese slice to your burger isn’t going to do too much damage as a soft food but can be combined with a crunchy cracker for a tasty protein-packed little snack. Assorted nuts, cheese cubes, and crackers make a nice healthy snack tray to go with the fruit and vegetable trays mentioned earlier. Replacing potato chips and dips with these suggestions will also make your guests feel less heavy later in the day. This is especially important if summer activities are planned such as swimming and water skiing. Having a lighter stomach will make any activity more eventful and fun.



Beverages
Beverages need to be offered to keep everyone hydrated. Of course, some guests will bring their own. Always have plenty of ice chests full of filtered water and provide a pitcher of infused water with ice available at all times. Infused waters can be any combination but choose something refreshing such as cucumber and mint. It is important in any climate to do this but even more important in warmer climates.

Summer is the season of spending time with family, friends, and eating good food while sipping on cocktails. Of course, it’s okay to indulge once in a while, but it is important to be mindful of having an overall healthy diet for good oral health and overall health. For more oral health friendly food ideas, speak to your dentist during your dental appointment. Visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for a dental checkup today. Contact us to schedule an appointment! Have a wonderful summer and remember to keep your oral health in mind!