Kids, Nutrition, and Cavities

Cavities are one of the most common nutrition-related problems in children in the United States. Choosing your child's snacks can have a big impact on developing or preventing cavities. Snacks should be from a variety of food groups and lower in sugar content. Replace sweet desserts and candy with healthier alternatives. Below are some options for quick and healthy snacks and the food groups they belong to:

Fresh fruits and vegetables: berries, oranges, grapefruit, melons, broccoli, celery, carrots, cucumbers
Grains: bread, plain bagels, unsweetened cereals, pretzels, pasta
Milk and dairy products: low or non-fat dairy products, like milk, yogurt, cheeses
Meat, nuts and seeds: chicken, turkey, sliced meats, nuts, sunflower seeds

Because of the small size of children's stomachs, it is often necessary for children to eat 2-3 snacks each day to help them get adequate calories. Picking healthful snacks are an important and necessary part of your child's nutrition.