Foods That are Bad For Teeth: The Best and Worst Summer Snacks for Your Kids

Summer is here at Kids Smiles Colorado and while it’s tempting to let your little ones indulge in sweet treats and cool drinks during these carefree months, it’s important to remember that what your child eats can have a big impact on their smile. Some summer favorites are foods that cause tooth decay, while others are packed with good things for teeth that help keep cavities away. Choosing the right foods for your teeth is essential to support dental health and prevent problems like cavities.

As a trusted kids dentist in Aurora, we often get asked: What are good foods for your child’s teeth, and which ones are food bad for kids teeth? It’s important to know that many foods—not just sweets—can affect your child’s teeth, so being mindful of their overall diet is key. Let’s dive into the best and worst summer snacks when it comes to protecting those pearly whites.

The Best Summer Snacks: Food Good for the Teeth in Aurora

When it comes to keeping your child’s teeth strong and healthy, the goal is to find snacks that are low in sugar, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Here are some of our summer favorites: Each of these is a healthy snack that supports dental health.

• Crunchy Fruits and Veggies: Think apples, carrots, and celery. They’re not only refreshing but also naturally help scrub plaque off your teeth while your kiddo chews. They also boost saliva production, which helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.
• Cheese Cubes or String Cheese: A powerhouse of calcium and phosphate, cheese has two good things for teeth that help strengthen enamel. It also helps balance the pH in your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
• Unsweetened Yogurt: Packed with calcium and probiotics, yogurt is a food good for the teeth—just be sure to choose plain or lightly sweetened varieties to avoid added sugars.
• Nuts and Seeds: From almonds to sunflower seeds, these are excellent snacks full of protein and minerals that support healthy teeth. Just be mindful of portion sizes and any allergies.
• Watermelon: This summer staple is hydrating and helps stimulate saliva flow—plus, it’s a much better choice than sugary popsicles or sodas. Just make sure to serve it without adding any sugars.

These snack recommendations are supported by the American Dental Association, which encourages choosing foods that promote oral health.

The Worst Summer Snacks: Unhealthy Foods for Kids Teeth and Tooth Decay in Aurora

Unfortunately, many popular summer treats fall under the category of food that’s bad for your kid’s teeth. These are the ones to limit or avoid altogether:

• Sticky Candies and Fruit Snacks: These sugary treats cling to teeth and linger in the mouth, making them prime foods that cause tooth decay.
• Soda and Sports Drinks: Loaded with sugar and acids, these drinks can erode enamel and lead to cavities. Even “diet” or sugar-free options can be acidic and are still food bad for teeth.
• Potato Chips and Crackers: They might not seem sweet, but starchy snacks break down into sugars and get trapped between teeth. They’re sneaky foods that cause dental caries if kids don’t brush right after.
• Dried Fruit (Like Raisins or Apricots): Although they seem healthy, dried fruits are sticky and concentrated with sugar, making them another food that’s bad for your child’s teeth.

When kids eat sugary foods or eat sweets frequently, these harmful foods contribute to making teeth more vulnerable to decay and other dental problems. Limiting these snacks and practicing good oral hygiene can help protect your child’s teeth.

Consuming these foods and neglecting oral care can also lead to bad breath, as plaque bacteria and food particles accumulate in the mouth.

Smile-Smart Tips for Summer Snacking

Even with the best intentions, kids will occasionally enjoy a sweet treat. That’s part of summer fun! The key is being smart about when and how those treats are enjoyed. Try to limit snacking to mealtimes, since grazing throughout the day can lead to more frequent acid attacks on tooth enamel. When your child does enjoy something sugary or starchy, encourage them to drink water afterward to help rinse away sugars and neutralize acids.

At Kids Smiles Colorado, we love helping families make healthy choices that keep smiles bright. Whether you’re looking for a children’s dentist in Aurora for regular checkups or need snack-time advice from an experienced Aurora kids dentist, our team is here to support your child’s health.

Still have questions about what are good foods for your kid’s teeth or how to build better snack habits? Schedule a visit—we’re here to help every step of the way.