Healthy Eating – Page 2 – Latest News from Children's Dental Specialties

You’ll Be Surprised at the Hidden Sugar in these Foods

Posted on February 26, 2015March 18, 2021

The processed food industry has made the job of cutting out sugar even more difficult for consumers. Foods we wouldn’t necessarily consider full of sugar, even healthy foods, are often sugar bombs in disguise. Reducing the amount of sugar your family eats is not only a great idea for keeping mouths healthy, but it can also have tremendous benefits to overall health. Here are a few of the worst sneaky sugar offenders.

BBQ Sauce

Who doesn’t love great barbeque? From ribs, to pulled pork, BBQ chicken and brisket, great barbeque is often accompanied by a great sauce. But BBQ sauce can have a high sugar content, sometimes as high as 10 grams per serving. That’s the equivalent of almost two and one half packets of sugar!

Granola Bars

Granola bars are often high in fiber and full of dried fruits and whole grains. But be aware, many brands of granola are simply candy bars in disguise. When shopping for granola bars, look for bars that contain less than 35% calories from sugar. You’ll be surprised at how few of them fall under that number. Many bars come in at nearly 50% calories from sugar.

Dried Fruit

One of the biggest surprises in our list of sneaky sugar foods is dried fruit. That’s because it can be difficult to find dried fruits that don’t have sugar added for extra sweetness. Raisins, dates, cranberries and even dried bananas are sometimes coated in sugar. Be sure to check the packaging and only purchase dried fruits that don’t include the extra sugar.

Smoothies

What could possibly be more healthy than a smoothie? Made the right way, using whole fruits and vegetables, along with unsweetened Greek yogurt, a smoothie can be a terrific choice. But many smoothie bars will often add liquid sugars to the mixer just before blending. Your best bet is to ask for a nutrition guide at your favorite shop and watch your smoothie being made. Try to avoid fruit juices that are generally all sugar and no fiber. Know what’s going in and don’t forget to ask questions.

With all of the hidden sugar in our food, it can be daunting to track it all down. A great rule of thumb is to read labels whenever possible and become educated as to the various names for sugar. Dextrose, corn sweetener, high –fructose corn syrup, fructose, maltose, sorghum and evaporated cane juice are all common names for sugars found in foods you might never suspect as being hidden sugar bombs.

When Fruit is Bad for Your Teeth

Posted on November 6, 2014March 18, 2021

With all of the junk food available to kids and adults, it’s hard to imagine that something as seemingly healthy as fruit could ever be bad for your teeth. And certainly there are a lot of foods that are high in sugar that would be considered far worse for your overall oral health. Still, there are times when fruit may not be the best choice. Here are a few examples when you may want to skip the fruit:

When it’s dried.

Dried fruits have had most of their water removed and what’s left contains a much higher percentage of sugar than fresh fruits. And because you tend to eat more dried fruit based on the volume, you will consume a much greater amount of sugar when compared to eating fresh fruit. This doesn’t even take into account the added sugar that most packaged dried fruit contains. Further, dried fruits like raisins and plums tend to be sticky and often stay stuck to teeth for a long time. This provides bacteria plenty of what they need to grow.

When it’s canned with syrup.

Most canned fruits are packaged in a thick, high sugar syrup. Even those labled “light syrup” contain large amounts of added sugar because that description can refer to the consistency of the syrup rather than sugar content. When eating canned fruits, look for those that have no added sugar or those packed in 100% fruit juice.

When it’s juiced.

First, it’s important to understand that fruit juice can be very good for you when it’s part of a balanced diet. However, juice can still harm teeth when too much is consumed too frquently. This is because fruit that is juiced generally has much of the most nurtitious portions of the fruit removed. When the pulp and fiber is taken away, what’s left is mostly water and sugar. What’s more, fruit juices like orange juice is often highly acidic and can be tough on enamel over time.

As you can tell, fresh whole fruits are always the best option when eating fruit. Whatever you eat, however, it’s important to remember that nearly all foods can be enjoyed in moderation. Be sure to brush and floss regularly.

Your Kids Will Love These Tooth Friendly After-School Snacks

Posted on August 28, 2014March 18, 2021

The time when your child’s school serves lunch to when your family eats dinner often means that little tummies need a snack to hold them over. But snacking doesn’t have to be a health disaster. In fact, it can be a great opportunity to provide much needed vitamins and minerals to fuel your child’s active schedule. Below are a few quick ideas we’ve put together. They’re adventurous and may be a little different from what your kids usually eat. But these snack ideas are packed with vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and we guarantee that each one is delicious!

Fruits, Veggies & Peanut Butter Dip

Snack sized fruits and veggies will disappear with this tasty and easy to make peanut butter dip. We’ve added Greek yogurt which is a dental super food and cinnamon to give it a little added flavor.

¾ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
½ Cup Natural Peanut Butter
½ Teaspoon Cinnamon

Assorted Fruits and Veggies

Watermelon Sandwich Wraps

These may require a small amount of prep, but getting your kids to help can be a terrific way to encourage them to try something they probably have never had. We got this recipe from the Watermelon.org website. It may seem different, but trust us, it’s yummy!

Wraps – Whole wheat tortilla or pita bread.
Spread – Guacamole (for the more adventurous) or plain Greek yogurt
Meat (optional) – Any sandwich meats or slices.

And of course, watermelon, cut into ½ inch thick spears and as long as your wrap.

Baked Zucchini Slices with Parmesan Cheese

The tooth healthy parmesan cheese is what gives this healthy snack its zing. Again, having kids help sprinkle on the cheese and lay out the slices will help choosier eaters try something new.

Simply slice zucchini in thin slices (no need to peel) and lay out on a cookie sheet. Have your children sprinkle them with parmesan cheese on both sides. Then, place in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes on each side, or until brown.

Smoothies that are Great for your Teeth!

Posted on April 3, 2014March 18, 2021

Do you love smoothies? Here are three great tasting and tooth friendly smoothies you and your family will love. Each one uses fresh, basic ingredients is easy to make and provides approximately 4, 8oz. servings. If you try one, we would love to hear your thoughts.

The Super Bright Smile Smoothie

This smoothie will not only make you smile because it tastes great, but it will also give your entire mouth a healthy boost. The apples in this recipe contain as much fiber as a whole serving of bran cereal. Apples are also mildly acidic, so they act as an astringent by gently killing bacteria and whitening teeth.
Avocados are also great for your smile, containing an average of 18mg of calcium ensuring that your teeth stay strong. They’re also packed with vitamin B6, another essential nutrient for good oral health.
The mint leaves aren’t there just for good looks! They’re natural breath fresheners and have been shown to whiten teeth as well.

3 Apples
2 Kiwis
1 Avocado
1 Orange
3 Mint Leaves

The Healthy Gums Smoothie

This smoothie is great for maintaining healthy gum tissues because of the high levels of Vitamin C found in the kiwi and mixed berries. Kiwis contain more vitamin C than any other fruit for their size, including the Vitamin C packed orange. But just in case, we’ve added an orange to this recipe as well! Research has shown that high levels of vitamin C is essential for healthy gums and helps to fight off periodontal disease.
The creamy consistency of this smoothie comes from the addition of Greek yogurt, which is itself a dental super food. A Japanese study of 1,000 adults revealed that the healthiest gums were found in those that consumed the most yogurt. Yogurt has also been shown to strengthen teeth and fight bad breath.

1 Kiwi
1 Banana
½ Cup Frozen Berries
1 Cup Strawberries
½ Cup Orange
8 oz. Greek Yogurt

The Tooth Strengthening Smoothie

Like the previous smoothie, this great tasting snack contains a huge amount of Vitamin C. But the real tooth strengthening benefits come from manganese, which is found in high quantities in pineapple. Manganese is a trace element that helps to build strong bones. One serving of this smoothie gives you a full daily supply of recommended manganese.
There is one important item to note, however. The high acid level of pineapple along with the sweetness of added honey means that you shouldn’t neglect your regular brushing routine just because the nutrients in this smoothie are good for your teeth. Of course, you’re careful to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, right?

2/3 of 1 Whole Pineapple
1 ½ Tbs. Honey
1 Peach
½ Cup Frozen Pineapple/ Mango
1 Banana
1 Orange

Tooth Friendly Super Bowl Snacks

Posted on January 23, 2014March 18, 2021

Are you ready for the Big Game? A Super Bowl get-together demands super snacks but not at the expense of your teeth. That’s why we’ve put together a few tasty game day snacking ideas with healthy ingredients. Of course, these are snacks, and none of them are perfect. Regardless of what you eat, don’t forget to brush!

Spicy Jalapeño Dip

What’s in it:

1 16 oz. tub low-fat sour cream
1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch (or other brand) Fiesta Dip
1 jalapeno, seeded and cubed

How it’s done:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend thoroughly.
Serve the dip with raw vegetables such as carrots and celery.

What makes it tooth friendly:

This dip with a kick will make your veggies disappear. Raw veggies require lots of chewing which stimulates and promotes healthy gums. Carrots contain beta-carotene that your body uses to create vitamin A which works to build strong teeth. The sour cream in this dip gives your teeth a boost of Calcium which also helps to keep your teeth strong.

Hummus with Cucumber

What’s in it:

1/4 cup lemon juice
2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, one drained, one with liquid
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cucumber
1/2 tablespoon parsley

How it’s done:

Place all ingredients in a blender in the order listed except for the cucumber.
Blend for approximately 1 to 1 and a half minutes, pulsing as necessary.
Slice up the cucumber into thick pieces for dipping.
Place hummus in serving bowl and drizzle additional olive oil on top with some parsley for garnish.

What makes it tooth friendly:

Protein rich chickpeas don’t contain any saturated fat or cholesterol, making hummus a good choice for your overall health. Chickpeas are also rich in folic acid, which keeps your mouth healthy by promoting cell growth throughout your body. As to the cucumbers, not only are they a healthy alternative to chips, but they are rich in vitamins B and C and have even been shown to help freshen breath and naturally whiten teeth!

The Party Standard: The Meat & Cheese Tray

What’s in it:
This party tray is a cheese buffet with Gouda, White Cheddar, Havarti and Chipotle Jack.
Shaped like a football field on a kale turf, it includes red grapes, whole wheat crackers and summer sausage.

What makes it tooth friendly:
The cheese on the sidelines plays quarterback in this party tray. Cheese is a tooth powerhouse with tons of tooth strengthening calcium and a protein called casein which is amazingly effective in protecting the surface of your teeth. One note about the crackers, however. We chose whole wheat crackers for their beneficial fiber, but all crackers can stick to teeth and promote bacteria growth. Again, just be sure to brush after the game!

Baked Cheese Roll

What’s in it:
Goat Cheese Log
Grape or Olive Oil
1 small carton of Grape Tomatoes (sliced)
Basil Pesto
Balsamic Glaze
French Bread or Crackers

How it’s done:
Preheat oven to 350°
In a jelly roll pan or small casserole dish, add approximately 1/4 inch of grape or olive oil.
Place goat cheese in the pan and cover with pesto, then grape tomatoes.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Serve with French bread or your favorite healthy crackers.

What makes it tooth friendly:
If cheese made from cow’s milk is a powerhouse, goat cheese is a touchdown. It contains more protein and calcium than cow’s milk cheese and yet has less fat and calories per serving. The higher calcium of goat cheese means even more protection for your teeth.

Healthy 7-Layer Dip

What’s in it:
3 Cups black beans
6 Oz. Greek yogurt (plain)
1 Cup shredded cheese
1 small can sliced black olives

Guacamole:
2 avocados
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 chopped chive
Juice from 1/2 lime
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 seeded and diced Jalapeño

Pico De Gallo:
2 small diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
Juice from 1/2 lime
1/2 seeded and diced Jalapeño
1 chopped chive

How it’s done:
Mix together all ingredients for the pico de gallo.
In a separate bowl, mix the ingredients for the guacamole layer.
The ingredients can be added in the following order (starting at the bottom): beans, yogurt, cheese, olives, guacamole, pico de gallo.

What makes it tooth friendly:
This dish has it all and it’s a great update of what is usually a calorie dense snack. While tomato and citrus juices can be tough on your teeth because of their high acidity, the cheese and Greek yogurt help to balance that out. Plus, this dish is high in vitamins E, A and C, which are all essential for a healthy mouth. Choosing celery or another vegetable over chips would make this an even better choice for your teeth.

Remember, regardless of what you choose to snack on during the Super Bowl, be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each time! What will you be snacking on during the Big Game this year? Comment below and let us know!

Ideas For A Candy Free Halloween

Posted on October 3, 2013March 18, 2021

What if you want to hand out tooth friendly Halloween treats but don’t want to get on the “trick” list? We believe that a candy free Halloween can be even more fun than one coated in sugar. Here are 5 ideas to help you be the most popular house on the street while saving tiny teeth from cavities one trick-or-treater at a time.

Give a “prize” instead of a treat.

Retailers that sell party favors and supplies are a great place to find prizes that you can hand out to kids. These small trinkets last long after the candy has been eaten and will be remembered much longer as well.

Help kids get creative with clay!

Multi-packs of mini play dough containers are available to purchase or you can even make your own. You could put small batches of homemade play dough in plastic baggies with a quick note explaining that the dough is for play and not food.

Keep kids safe with glow sticks!

Glow sticks are available at really low prices at craft and discount stores. Kids love glow sticks (and so do we!)

Give fun Halloween stickers.

Who doesn’t love a cool sticker? If you have a variety, you can let kids choose their own design that they can then save for later or wear while trick-or-treating.

Get awesome ideas on Pinterest.

A quick search on Pinterest reveals a TON of ideas for a candy free Halloween. You can find craft ideas, inexpensive gifts and handouts that will make every child who comes to your door smile. While your at it, check out our Pinterest boards for even more dental health ideas!

Have more ideas? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below!

Yogurt and Your Teeth.

Posted on July 18, 2013March 18, 2021

Yogurt is a dental super food. Yogurt is more popular than ever as a healthy choice for those seeking to supplement their diet with a food that will help their overall health. Several respected studies over the last few years have continuously shown that yogurt has benefits far beyond digestive health. Here are a few of the exciting ways that yogurt can help keep you smiling:

Yogurt helps gums.

A Japanese study of 1,000 adults revealed that the healthiest gums were found in those that ate the most yogurt. Probiotics, the “good bacteria” found in yogurt are the possible reason as these active cultures may help to slow the growth of cavity causing bacteria. Healthy gums are essential to your overall health because gum disease can put you at an increased risk for a wide range of complications including heart disease.

Yogurt strengthens teeth.

Yogurt is high in calcium which helps to keep your teeth strong. Calcium works by maintaining the density of your skeletal bones through years of deposit while your body is growing the most. For this reason, children especially benefit from the calcium found in yogurt. Once permanent teeth appear, calcium continues to help prevent tooth decay by keeping enamel strong.

Yogurt fights bad breath.

Researchers have discovered that eating six ounces of yogurt each day greatly reduces the bad breath causing compounds like hydrogen sulfide. It turns out that the probiotics found in yogurt help to keep “smelly” bacteria in check.

Yogurt makes your mouth less acidic.

Cavity-causing bacteria love an acidic mouth. Yogurt counters this by balancing your mouth’s PH levels and creating a less hospitable place for bacteria to thrive.

The best yogurt for your dental health is plain and sugar free. Greek yogurts are an even better option because they often contain the highest amount of probiotics. If you or your children crave a sweet addition to your yogurt, you might sparingly choose a small amount of fresh fruit or a natural sweetener

Soda vs. Teeth

Posted on June 6, 2013March 18, 2021

Good news for teeth: Soda consumption in the U.S. is falling. For the eighth-straight year soda consumption has decreased to its lowest level since 1987. Many school districts have banned sugary carbonated beverages from their cafeterias. Well-known politicians have attempted to limit access to large quantities of soda, and even the national “Let’s Move” campaign is urging kids to drink water instead of soda.

But there’s still a lot of soda being consumed, especially by kids. Estimates have shown that one in five children consumes as many as four servings of soda every day. Many teens drink as many as twelve soft drinks a day!

Soda is not only bad for your body, being a major contributor to obesity, but it’s incredibly damaging to your teeth because its war on them hits in two major fronts: acidity and sugar. You may have seen the popular science experiment where an egg is placed in soda and left overnight. Not only will the egg be permanently stained, but if left long enough the acid in the soda will completely dissolve the shell. Just like in the experiment, every time you drink soda it bathes your teeth in acid that eats away the hard enamel protecting your teeth.

This is where the second attack occurs. Soda is extremely high in sugar, containing more than 4 tablespoons in a 20 ounce bottle. Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Teeth that are already softened by a constant washing of highly acidic soda are further damaged by this increase in bacteria.

The good news is that it’s never too late to make healthier choices. Replacing soda with water is not only better for your teeth, but also better for your overall health. You can also help reduce the effects of the occasional soda by rinsing with water after consumption and using fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush two minutes, two times each day and make sure that you are up to date on your dental appointments!