Even Texas gets cold in the winter, and when your kids come home with red cheeks and noses, begging for something to warm them up, it’s natural to reach for a hot beverage. But which one? Some are loaded with sugar, while others could stain their teeth. If you want to look out for their oral health, check out some of the winter drink recommendations from Lytle Family Dentistry’s kids dentist.
Modify Hot Chocolate
While it may seem counterintuitive, hot chocolate can be a good choice for dental health in some circumstances. This is especially true if you pick a dark chocolate cocoa, which can contain antioxidants that help fight against bacteria. If you use water to make instant cocoa, the fluoride can help build up your child’s teeth as well.
Just be sure to choose a mix with less sugar and avoid adding additional sweeteners. It’s also best not to let your kids drink hot cocoa all the time, as the sugar can outweigh any benefits.
Warm Some Milk
If you want to skip the mix-in cocoa and just go for straight milk, it’s a great source of calcium, which is essential for strong and healthy teeth. Milk also contains plenty of vitamin D that, in addition to being good for you on its own, helps the body absorb calcium. Milk alternatives, like almond or soy milk, are often now fortified with these nutrients, so they can make a good choice for lactose intolerant children.
Just remember: milk does contain natural sugars that can contribute to tooth decay. Milk alternatives are also sometimes sweetened. Hot milk can be a way to warm up and wind down, but it’s best to monitor your kid’s milk consumption and encourage them to floss, rinse, and brush after drinking.
Try Herbal Tea
The Cleveland Clinic highlights green tea as the choice with the most benefits, but tea in general is known for boosting health. Some herbal teas, like chamomile and peppermint, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent gum disease and gingivitis. Additionally, herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, which can stain teeth and hype up your children.
Skip the Cider
Warm apple cider sounds especially inviting after a cold day, but its combination of sugar and acid can contribute to cavities and wear down tooth enamel. Of course, you can get away with it as a once-in-a-while treat, but don’t overdo it. Like sodas and sugary sports drinks, cider can eventually land your child in the dentist’s chair.
Sip Some Broth
Maybe your child isn’t a big fan of sweets. Bone broth can be great for the winter months. It’s rich in minerals and nutrients that are beneficial for dental health, like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Additionally, bone broth is low in sugar and can help keep your child hydrated.
Visit Our Family Dentist for a Winter Checkup
It’s okay to indulge in a hot drink now and then, especially since it doesn’t stay cold for long in Texas. Just make sure to keep up with regular appointments at Lytle Family Dentistry. By bringing in your kids for dental cleanings and checkups, we can see if they need to exercise extra caution around certain foods or beverages to protect their teeth and gums. When in doubt, ask about the best options for your child.
