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Subject: Smiles of Punta will resume business May 11, 2020

We hope this email finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing at Smiles of Punta Gorda has remained the same: our constant commitment to your safety.

As you have surely seen during your visits to our office, infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. Our strict processes have consistently made the care you receive at Smiles of Punta Gorda both safe and comfortable.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We continue to closely monitor the recommendations of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

When it is time for your next appointment, you may see some changes along with our already strict infection control protocols. For example:

  • Our office will communicate with you ahead of your appointment to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you arrive at the office.
  • Upon arrival at office, we ask that you call or text to let us know you have arrived and what type of vehicle you are in.  Stay in your vehicle and one of our team members will come to bring you in for treatment.
  • When entering the office, we will ask you to use hand sanitizer which we will supply. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed. You are required to bring a mask/face covering to wear while you are in our office.
  • You may see that our reception area will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and other items which cannot be properly disinfected. You are encouraged to bring your own iPad, reading materials, etc.
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered slightly limited options for scheduling your appointment.
  • We will do our best to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the office at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 941-787-2223 or visit our website at www.smilesofpuntagorda.com.

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends in the safest way possible.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Martin DMD,
Christopher Ramke DMD,
and your Smiles of Punta Gorda team

Contact Us
WE ARE OPEN | Read our COVID-19 Protocols
Call Today941-585-0424 Request an Appointment
Call Today941-585-0424 Request an Appointment
100 Madrid Blvd, Unit 414, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Meet Dr. Jeremy Martin
      • Meet Dr. Christopher Ramke
    • Meet The Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • FAQ
  • Our Services
    • General Dentistry
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Family Dentistry
    • Relieving Dental Anxiety
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Dental Veneers
      • Invisalign
    • Restorative Dentistry
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
      • Dental Implants
      • Dentures
    • Oral Surgery
    • TMJ Treatment/Teeth Grinding
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Patient Resources
    • New Patient Forms
    • Payment Options
    • I’m In Pain Or Have Discomfort
    • I’m Embarrassed To Smile
    • I’m Having A Hard Time Chewing
  • COVID-19 Protocols
  • Virtual Smile Assessment
  • Blog
  • Search
Home > Blog > Simple Ideas for Healthy Snacks for Kids

Simple Ideas for Healthy Snacks for Kids

July 1, 2018
Young child smiling | Smiles of Punta Gorda

If you have kids, summertime probably means they’re watching TV at home, playing outside more, going on trips, going to camp, and enjoying sports. That sure is true for many of our Smiles of Punta Gorda team members who are parents!

No matter what summer looks like for your family, it’s a good time to catch up on other things besides all these activities. That includes taking a good look at your pantry and fridge and seeing how you can improve what’s inside.

To keep your kids’ teeth and bodies healthy for the rest of the summer and beyond, take a few minutes to read these ideas for healthy snacks for kids. Then contact our Punta Gorda, FL dentist office at 941-585-0424 to keep their teeth in great shape.

Look for Foods High in Protein

With the kids home more, they’re likely to be rummaging around for snacks. (If you have teens, it may feel like they’re raiding your kitchen!) And they need good choices to replenish their energy.

Protein is a great source of energy. Dr. Martin’s daughters play softball, so his family knows protein is an important part of a balanced diet.

Here are some ideas for healthy protein snacks.

Cheese

Slices, cubes, wedges, string cheese, and even cottage cheese are excellent choices for snacks. Not only are they high in protein, they’re also high in calcium. This mineral is good for strengthening bones and teeth.

Serve cheese alone or with whole-wheat crackers, on whole-wheat bread, or with fruit slices. Look for natural, low-fat choices if possible.

Hardboiled eggs

Keep a stash of hardboiled eggs in the fridge. Go ahead and peel them and slice them lengthwise, so all the work is done for the kids. Little kids can make egg “boats” with the slices by adding a toothpick with a sail.

Hummus

This is an overlooked snack for kids, but it’s a great way to get in fiber and protein, as well as healthier fats. You can purchase it from the store or make it at home. Look online for a recipe; just a few ingredients, a few bucks, and a few minutes will make several portions.

Serve with sliced vegetables, whole-wheat pita, whole-wheat crackers, or whole-grain chips.

Yogurt

Most kids like yogurt, so parents enjoy not having to talk their kids into eating this snack. Look for low-fat, low-sugar options. Greek yogurt has even more protein.

If you buy plain yogurt, let the kids add honey, coconut shavings, dark chocolate chips or peanut butter chips, walnuts, and other toppings. Or make yogurt fruit parfaits, smoothies, or popsicles! This makes a good dessert too.

Peanut butter

This oldie but goodie still provides an excellent source of protein for kids. And it’s cheap! A little goes a long way for this filling favorite. Add on whole-wheat bread, crackers, or pita. Smear on celery and top with raisins for ants on a log. Blend with plain yogurt, honey, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder for a sweet but healthy smoothie!

Almond butter

This is a good choice if your child is allergic to peanuts. (Check the label for cross-contamination, of course!) It’s also good on its own, served in the same ways as peanut butter.

Trail mix or nuts

This on-the-go snack is great if the kids are playing sports or away from the house. Just check that it’s mostly nuts and fruits, not candy.

Tuna

Tuna salad is a good snack or meal. Add a little low-fat mayo, mustard, onions, celery – whatever you think tastes good and the kids will eat. Serve on whole-wheat bread, crackers, or pita. Just don’t indulge too much because of the mercury content.

Choose Foods Low in Added Sugars

It’s hard these days to find good snacks without a ton of added sugar. Bacteria in your mouth feed off sugar, which leads to cavities. Nearly 50 percent of kids have cavities by age 11. That’s why Dr. Martin and our hygienists check for them during every dental exam. If we do find them, we can use composite fillings to repair the teeth.

Watch the labels for added sugars. Just because it says “Made with natural fruit” or something similar doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Lean toward “raw” foods and natural sources of sugar. Here are a few examples.

Fruit

Regardless of all the diet fads, fruit is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals for kids. There’s evidence that some fruit such as apples may even be good for your teeth! Fruit comes in different forms: raw, frozen, and dried.

Kids like dried fruits like raisins, cherries, and pineapples, especially in trail mix. Cut fruit in slices to encourage them to eat it. You can even cut bananas into slices and serve with peanut butter. Or freeze banana slices with a little melted dark chocolate on top for a sweet treat!

Frozen fruit pieces make for great smoothies too. Just make sure the kiddos floss and brush before bed.

Juice

Water is the best drink for bodies and teeth, but fruit juice can be good on occasion too. Again, watch for added sugar and phrases like “fruit drink” or “made with fruit.” That usually means there’s added sugar. 100% fruit juice is best. Freeze in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat after the kids have been playing outside.

Yogurt

Some fruit-flavored yogurts have as much sugar as desserts! So again, compare labels. And as mentioned, you can always opt for plain yogurt and have the kids add their favorite fruit.

It’s always good to check with your child’s pediatrician or doctor for other nutrition tips, too. They’re likely to have even more ideas for healthy snacks for kids.

Smiles of Punta Gorda is dedicated to your family’s oral and overall health! For more dental health tips, or to schedule checkups for the whole family, call our Punta Gorda, FL dentist office at 941-585-0424. You can also use our online form.

What Our Patients Are Saying

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To correct the loss I had of two teeth In the lower part of my mouth, Dr. Martin recommended I have a bridge that basically encompassed six teeth including the missing two. Thanks to his outstanding work and the work of his dental technician, the result was basically perfect. I couldn’t be happier about the outcome.

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Pleasant a efficient as always.

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Great first visit with Dr. Ramke, Hannah and Damian....very thorough dental review and good cleaning. Look forward to my next visit (how many say that about a dentist visit?) and a long term relationship.

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100 Madrid Blvd, Unit 414, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  • Mon: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tue: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wed: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thu: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Call Today to make an Appointment 941-585-0424 Request an Appointment

Locations

100 Madrid Blvd, Unit 414, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday By Appt Only
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

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Call Today to make an Appointment 941-585-0424 Request an Appointment

Locations

100 Madrid Blvd, Unit 414, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday By Appt Only
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Want To Improve Your Smile In 2021?

With the holidays over, most people won’t do much socializing until spring and summer for special events like ...

Read More
Make A Cosmetic Dentistry Plan Now!

To create a more beautiful smile in time for your special events in 2021, you need to start with a plan. When you ...

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