Many of us can’t resist the urge to have something sugary, or like to treat ourselves to something special from time to time. Sweet tooth substitutes for snacking can help prevent tooth decay and damage. Our caring dentists in Bowmanville have some recommendations:

A bite of dark chocolate

Dark chocolate often has less sugar than other candy treats. Chocolate combined with fruit can be a healthful and satisfying treat. Try a strawberry dipped in dark chocolate to satiate your cravings. Store dipped strawberries in the refrigerator so the chocolate hardens. A banana on a poosicle stick dipped in chocolate provides a good source of vitamins C, B6, fiber, and potassium. Cut a banana in half and freeze it. Once solid, dip it into some dark chocolate, add sprinkles (if you want to get fancy), and return it to the freezer. After an hour or so, you’ll have a delectable dessert.

Pretzels are a satisfying snack and can be sweetened with chocolate and peanut butter. Microwave a bit of dark chocolate and add a teaspoon of peanut butter. Once warmed, dip pretzel rods into the mixture to satisfy your sugar craving. Or, add small pieces of hard kdark chocolate to trail mix with almonds, pistachios, and dried fruit for another quick snack option.

The “naked fruit”

A simple piece of fruit provides a natural sugar fix and provides added nutrients and fiber the body requires. If the fruit is not sweet enough to your taste, add a bit of honey or a teaspoon of cocoa powder to liven it up a bit. Try a smoothie for a breakfast option, snack, or dessert. Fruit with cottage cheese provides a sugar hit and a serving of protein. Frozen grapes offer another sugar fix option. The Resveratrol in the skin of red grapes (and berries) lowers LDL cholesterol and assists with blood vessel health.

Yogurt can kick up a snack

Yogurt comes in many varieties and flavour options. A yogurt parfait can be created by adding toppings to a cup of Greek yogurt. Consider graham cracker crumbs, low-sugar granola, nuts, and fruit. If not satisfied enough, shave a bit of chocolate on top. For a healthier “parfait,” simply dip fresh fruit into plain yogurt. Be aware, if you have deep pits in any teeth, nuts can get lodged and create a different problem. Choose toppings that won’t get stuck in your molars.

You can also make frozen yogurt “drops:” Mix berries with yogurt. Drop a teaspoon of the mixture on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and freeze for a couple of hours. Place the drops into a plastic baggie and store in the freezer until ready to consume. Keep your teeth in good working order with low sugar options and make your next dental health visit in Bowmanville an easy one. Contact our caring staff at Ohana Dental Clinic today for your next dental appointment: (905) 697-3440.