According to analysts, Americans are expected to spend almost $20 billion this year as 55% of the nation celebrates Valentine’s Day. But the Hallmark holiday of consumerism isn’t just for adults and those looking for cupid’s connection. Kids love feeling special too, and the concept of hearts, flowers, and romantic gestures definitely aren’t lost on them. Valentine’s Day can be a fun celebration for the entire household, but not all treats are equal. Fortunately, there are some easy and fun kid-friendly solutions for healthy teeth and gums.
Dark Chocolate Covered Fruit
It’s almost impossible to keep your kids from all sources of sugar. Even fresh fruit and vegetables contain natural sugar. But fruit combined with dark chocolate can be a fun, tasty, and even healthy alternative to packaged candy options. Strawberries, bananas, clementines, and even melon are good options to dip or coat. Dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa and far less sugar compared to milk and white chocolate varieties. And according to research, dark chocolate has several health-boosting properties and is rich in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s more bitter than milk chocolate due to the lack of sugar, but introducing your kids to the alternative early in life can help ensure better teeth right from the start.
Sugar-Free Candy
If you can’t get away from candy, try to opt for sugar-free or refined sugar alternative options. After all, just because something says it’s sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s not delicious. Choose natural and fun flavor combos sweetened with stevia or xylitol. Or up your treat game by making or obtaining organic candy treats made coconut sugar or sugar-free organic maple syrup. In fact, the switch may just become a family tradition that your household makes or picks out together.
Cheese and Crackers
Sweet flavors and high-calorie treats can monopolize Valentine’s Day, and sometimes a taste break is in order. Parents or other responsible adults in charge may also want an option to avoid the sugar-charged mood spikes in a classroom or social situation. Cheese and crackers are a great combination to fill the bellies, treat the taste buds, and give those little fingers something fun to hold on to. Instead of slicing the cheese, use miniature heart shapes to make a creative holiday-themed display. And since research suggests chomping on cheese can help prevent or lower the risks of tooth decay, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Non-Edibles
Who says all Valentine’s Day treats need to be edible? Kids love fun school supplies, mini notebooks, pencils, shaped erasers, stickers of all kinds, and various fun or sparkly trinkets. Most of those items can be inexpensive and bought in bulk so everyone in the class or at the party or special event can have an assortment of goodies to enjoy. Add to the fun by letting your little ones help pick out the items and package them for their siblings, friends, or classmates. You may never be able to keep your kids away from all the sweet and gooey Valentine’s Day treats. But opting to incorporate at least some suggestions above into the celebration can promote healthy teeth and gums and help ensure they ace their next check-up at their Moorestown dentist.