If you have been trying to limit or decrease your sugar intake by eating only natural sugars, like those found in fruits and vegetables; but your mouth still waters whenever you're forced to wait in line and stare at the candy selection by the check-out counter...

What do you do?

We have five different snack ideas that are not only tasty, but help prevent cavities too!

1. Seeds/Nuts (especially on top of yogurt or salads)
2. Rich in both calcium and/or phosphorous, yet low in sugar
3. Helps to rebuild and protect tooth enamel
4. Try snacking on nuts like: almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts
5. For those with nut allergies: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds
6. Kale chips
7. High in calcium to strengthen teeth
8. Contains folate: a B vitamin that helps promote a healthy mouth, both inside and out
9. Other leafy greens include: broccoli, spinach, collard greens, bok choy, okra
10. Celery with hummus, or with peanut butter topped with raisins
11. Chewing this firm vegetable promotes more saliva; saliva neutralizes cavity causing bacteria
12. Abrasive substance that naturally cleans teeth of plaque and other food particles
13. Also try other crunchy veggies like: carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower
14. Apples (raw or dried apples)
15. Contains many beneficial nutrients and vitamins; apples are high in fiber and water
16. Similar characteristics to celery (abrasive and crunchy), and a good alternative if you can't brush and/or floss right after meals
17. Leaving cut apple slices out overnight removes most of the water, but you won't have to worry about any preservatives or added sugar
18. Frozen grapes
19. Rich in antioxidants to fight bacterial growth
20. Low levels of starch prevent bacterial infections (less acidic environment)
21. A good source of vitamin C: a vitamin essential for protecting teeth and gum cells

Evidently, the most ideal foods contain high levels of vitamins, calcium and/or phosphorus. All of these nutrients strengthen your teeth, reduce the potential for tooth decay, and fight against cavity-causing bacteria. Although these snacks help to prevent and minimize cavities, they do not eliminate them; to further avoid cavities, it is crucial to continue practicing good oral hygiene.