Sweet Treats

Healthy Snacks For A Sweet Tooth

Everybody gets a sweet tooth now and then. Unfortunately, the sweet snacks that satisfy our cravings can also do some serious harm to our teeth. Treats that are rich in sugar may taste good to us, but they are also tasty to the bacteria that can cause cavities and tooth decay. Sugary snacks are all right in moderation, and it’s also a good plan to find some sweet treats that are less harmful to your teeth. Here are a few ideas on how to satisfy that sweet tooth while preserving your dental health:

Fresh Fruit 

Fresh fruit does contain sugar, but in lower quantities than processed sugary snacks. Plus, fruit contains essential vitamins that can help both your dental and overall health. Instead of reaching for a candy bar, grab an apple, orange, banana, pear, or sliced melon for a sweet treat.

Dried Fruit 

The disadvantage of fresh fruit is that it can spoil before you get a chance to eat it. Dried fruit snacks provide a sweet-tasting indulgence that’s both healthy and convenient. Raisins, prunes, dates, and dried cranberries are all excellent options for your cravings. You can also try dried snacks like apple chips and banana chips.

Berries 

Berries are also a great snack option for your sweet tooth. They are very sweet, but surprisingly low in sugar. This makes them a healthier option than other fresh fruits with high sugar content. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all tasty, sweet, and good for you.

Coconut 

Coconut is another sweet treat that is low in sugar. We don’t expect you to be cracking open fresh coconuts at your desk for a work-day snack, but you can easily snack on some shredded coconut throughout the day.

Yogurt 

Yogurt is a delicious and healthy snack that can satisfy your cravings for sweetness. Plus, it’s high in protein. That makes it a filling snack that makes you less likely to eat too much. Greek yogurt varieties are especially high in protein, so seek those out if you want a hearty snack. For best results for your dental health, seek out sugar-free versions of your favorite brand of yogurt. This gives you all of the sweet indulgence without any of the negative effects on your teeth.

Sugar-Free Gum 

Gum is a great way to get a sweet taste without any of the calories. A sugar-free variety ensures that you will not ingest any sugar that could be harmful to your teeth. Gum chewing can actually be beneficial for your dental health. If you chew after a meal, it can help clean your teeth of food bits that can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Instead of a sweet dessert, try chewing gum after a meal to satisfy your craving. 

We hope that this list of healthy snacks for your sweet tooth give you some delicious options to reach for instead of sugary, processed treats. With a slight change in snacking habits along with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, you will be on track for optimal dental health. Happy snacking!