Healthy Summertime Picnic Ideas

Now that schools are out for most kids, it’s time to get outside, soak up some sun, and enjoy a healthy picnic with your family and friends. Here at Little Smiles of Delaware, we want to recommend a few tooth-healthy foods to include in your picnic basket.

Healthy Summertime Picnic

Below are a few great additions to your summer picnic basket:

• Cheese Plate – Cheese is great for your teeth. This is because it contains calcium (which strengthens the teeth) as well as casein, a protein that helps to protect the tooth enamel. Cheese can also increase saliva production, which helps rid the teeth of the cavity-causing bacteria.
• Veggies – If you’re looking for a healthier dipping alternative to chips and crackers, turn to carrots, sliced bell peppers, and celery. In addition to being much healthier for your body, the fibrous veggies are able to clean your teeth as you chew them! Starchy foods stick to the teeth, causing dental cavities and tooth decay.
• Apples – If you have a sweet tooth, we suggest packing a few sliced apples as a healthier dessert. The texture of the apples will help to scrub away any leftover food debris from in between your teeth. Apples are also high in fiber and water, both of which help to keep gums healthy and increase saliva production.
• Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt is a superfood! Non-fat Greek yogurt contains much less sugar and fat than other types of yogurt. Additionally, yogurt contains both protein and calcium, which can strengthen the teeth. To make Greek yogurt more palatable for kids, add some strawberries or blueberries for flavor and extra antioxidants.
• Water – Lastly, any time you’re spending time outdoors it’s important to stay hydrated. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water instead of juice or soda. Swishing water around your mouth can also help to remove food debris when you’re done eating.

At Little Smiles of Delaware, we want all of our patients and their families to have a happy summer vacation! For information on keeping your child’s teeth healthy this summer or to make an appointment for your kids to get dental cleanings and checkups, please contact our Delaware, Ohio children’s dental office today.