Packing the right school lunch for your child doesn’t just help to fuel them up for their day—it also plays a big role in protecting their smile! Certain foods can help strengthen teeth and fortify oral health, while others can increase the risk of dental issues like cavities and gum disease. Understanding these differences can help you, as a parent, make better lunchbox choices for your kiddo. Here are some examples of foods that you should think twice about packing for your child’s lunch, along with some sensible, smile-friendly alternatives.
How School Lunches Can Affect Dental Health
The fact of the matter is that not all lunch and cafeteria foods are smile-friendly. Foods that are high in sugar, like cookies, candy, pastries, and even things that might seem innocent, like sweetened yogurt, fruit snacks, and some granola bars, can feed the bacteria in your child’s mouth, producing acids that erode enamel and lead to cavities. Even certain savory options, like refined white bread, can break down into harmful sugars.
It’s also worth mentioning that many school cafeterias aren’t crafting meals with oral health in mind, as they’re often more focused on feeding every child at school. But that’s not to say parents aren’t responsible, too—anything in your pantry is fair game to your child! Plus, since your child will be at school for several hours, they won’t have the opportunity to brush their teeth—meaning that if they’re eating anything sticky or something that leaves residue, they’re creating an even longer window for bacteria to thrive.
Smile-Friendly Lunch Ideas
If you want your child’s lunch to promote their oral health, here are some options to consider:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables – Apples, bananas, cucumber slices, bell peppers, and baby carrots are all fantastic options that assist dental health as well as overall health.
- Dairy products – Milk, cheese sticks, and yogurt are all high in calcium, which directly benefits the teeth.
- Whole grains – Things like whole wheat bread, wraps, rice, and pasta can all provide energy without high amounts of sugars and starches.
- Lean proteins – Sliced turkey, grilled chicken, or even hard-boiled eggs are all healthier, protein-packed alternatives to high-fat and high-sodium meats.
- Water – Water is by far the best beverage for oral health, so rather than sugary juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, or sodas, provide a water bottle for your child to greatly benefit their smile. They’ll also be able to refill it throughout the day at school.
By making small changes to your child’s lunch, you can make a large impact when it comes to avoiding unnecessary cavities, troublesome gum disease, or any other issues that might threaten their smile and detract from their learning!
About the Practice
Our team here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln has proudly served families in Worcester and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including checkups and cleanings, as well as emergency dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 506-8859.