School will start before you know it! As the school year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about what goes into your child’s lunchbox. You’ll want to pack items that are good for growing bodies and also promote good oral health. Send nutritious and tooth-friendly foods to school with them, so you can help protect their teeth from cavities and maintain their bright smiles.
If you need to schedule an exam for your child before school starts, call us today at 269-349-3203. In the meantime, check out our suggestions for their lunchbox:
- Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables – These foods not only add variety to your child’s lunch, they also help clean their teeth naturally. Foods like apples, carrots, celery, and cucumbers require more chewing. This stimulates saliva production and helps remove food particles and bacteria. Their natural fiber content also aids in scrubbing away plaque. Slice fruits and veggies to make them easier to eat, and pair them with yogurt dip or hummus to make them even more appealing.
- Calcium-Rich Snacks – Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones, so adding calcium-rich snacks to your child’s lunch is a great idea. Consider options like cheese cubes or strings, yogurt cups, or milk boxes. These snacks provide a good dose of calcium and also help neutralize acids in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay. Switch up the flavors or shapes of cheese and yogurt to keep your child from getting bored.
- Alternatives to Sugary Drinks – Swap out sugary drinks like soda and juice boxes for healthier options. Water should always be the go-to beverage. It not only quenches thirst, but it also rinses away food particles and hydrates the mouth. You can liven it up by adding slices of fruits or berries for added flavor. Another good alternative is unsweetened herbal tea. It comes in lots of flavors and can offer additional health benefits.
Minimize the Impact of Acidic or Staining Foods
While some foods are beneficial for your child’s overall health, they can potentially stain their teeth or weaken dental enamel, making them more susceptible to cavities. You can minimize these effects by encourage your child to consume acidic or staining foods only at meals – not as a snack throughout the day. This reduces the exposure time of these foods to their teeth. It’s especially helpful if they drink water with their lunch.
Suggest that your child rinse their mouth with water after consuming these kinds of foods. This helps remove any residue and reduces the risk of enamel erosion or staining. If possible, it’s even better if they can brush their teeth after lunch.
Preparing a smile-friendly lunch for your child doesn’t have to be complicated. By including crunchy fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich snacks, and alternatives to sugary drinks, you’re promoting good oral health and better overall health too. It’s all part of setting your child up for a lifetime of excellent oral health.
Tooth-friendly foods help prevent cavities. For added protection, consider getting fluoride treatments or dental sealants for your child’s teeth. We can include those in their next exam. Call Briarwood Valley Dentistry at 269-349-3203 to visit our office in Kalamazoo, MI.
