With summer on the horizon, so are tempting sugary snacks. While reaching for those sweet treats may be convenient to help you and your family cool down, it’s important to remember that all that extra sugar increases the chances of tooth decay.

To help protect your teeth, try options that will help to promote oral health rather than tooth decay. Below are three summer snack alternatives for you and your family to try.

Fruit Kabobs

Fruit kabobs are an efficient and creative way to ensure your children get their daily serving of fruits. Cut up bananas, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes, kiwi or any other of your favorite fruits. Thread alternating chunks of fruit onto skewers and serve as a refreshing summer snack.

Fruits are full of minerals, vitamins and nutrients that will help promote oral health and strengthen teeth.

Frozen Yogurt Bites

While ice cream is a crowd favourite during the hot summer months, it is unfortunately riddled with sugar. While okay in moderation, it is best to avoid ice cream when possible to decrease the risk of tooth decay.

Frozen yogurt bites are the perfect healthy alternative to ice cream. Like other dairy products, yogurt contains calcium that helps to promote strong teeth. Begin by pouring a cup of yogurt into a plastic sandwich bag. Cut off one of the corners and squeeze the yogurt from the bag into drops on a baking sheet. Freeze the yogurt drops for at least 30 to 40 minutes.

Once frozen, treat your family with these bite sized frozen yogurt drops as an alternative to ice cream.

Celery With Peanut Butter and Raisins

Celery is not only nutritious, it also helps rinse away bacteria from the mouth, promoting good oral health. Celery is also extremely low in calories and helps to hydrate your body.

For a fun and delicious take on a classic, combine celery with peanut butter and raisins. Although raisins do contain sugar, they are a far healthier alternative to candy and can help satisfy the craving for something sweet.

Prepare this snack by cutting celery stalks in half and spreading peanut butter in the celery’s crevice. Sprinkle a few raisins on the peanut butter and enjoy!

For more information on how you can maintain your oral health over the summer, contact Desired Smiles to book your next appointment today.