Back-to-school season means that you and your child are probably both busy—and one thing on your plate is packing lunches or helping them choose healthy options during the school day! While it’s good to keep in mind foods that are nutritious and provide energy, it’s also just as wise to be mindful of what foods can do to your child’s teeth. Certain lunch items can increase the risk of cavities, while others can help protect and strengthen their growing smile. Here are some smile-friendly school lunch ideas to keep in mind.
School Lunch Foods That Increase the Risk of Cavities
Some common school lunch items may taste great, but they aren’t very friendly to your child’s smile:
- Sticky items such as fruit snacks, gummy candies, or certain types of granola bars can leave particles stuck on the teeth for long after your child has finished eating them.
- Sugary drinks, like sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, flavored milks, or even juice boxes, can contain both natural and artificial sugars, which fuel cavities and erode enamel.
- Refined carbs, including white bread, crackers, pizza crusts, and especially potato chips, can break down into sugars quickly, as well as leave powdery residue stuck in the grooves of the teeth.
Encouraging a Smile-Friendly Lunch Is Simple
Fortunately, there are plenty of foods out there that support oral health—not to mention, many are things that your child will love to eat during their lunch.
- Fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, celery, and cucumbers are healthy on their own, but their crunchy, fibrous texture can also help to naturally scrub the teeth.
- Cheese, yogurt, and low-fat milk are all rich in calcium and support stronger enamel.
- Lean proteins like turkey, grilled chicken, fish, and eggs provide the energy boost your child needs without excess sugars and starches.
- Whole grain breads are less sticky than refined carbs and white bread options; just be mindful of tough-to-eat rolls or options with nuts and seeds.
- Skip the sodas and sugary drinks and provide your child with a refillable water bottle to encourage them to drink water with lunch and throughout the day.
A healthy lunch isn’t just about fueling your child for the day; it’s also about putting a healthy, happy smile on their face and supporting their dental health! Of course, just be sure to also encourage healthy oral habits at home, like brushing and flossing, to ensure that your lunchtime efforts are worthwhile!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Meghan Thorburn, our team here at Trinity Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves the dental needs of families in Fort Worth and the surrounding DFW metroplex. We offer a wide variety of pediatric services for children of all ages, including routine checkups and cleanings, dental sealants, athletic mouthguards, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for your little one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance! Telephone: (682) 327-1133.