A student’s lunch period represents a well-deserved break from a busy day of studying, so it’s a great idea for them to enjoy a tasty meal that can lift their spirits and nourish their body. However, many common items packed in school lunches contain high concentrations of sugars, starches, and acids that can increase risks of gum disease and tooth decay. Here’s a quick overview of a few items that should only be saved for special occasions as well as some options that can help protect your kid’s oral health.
What Popular Items Can Harm My Child’s Teeth?
A few items that should not be frequently packed into children’s lunches include:
- Sugary beverages: Juice, sodas, and energy drinks are rich in sugars that can feed harmful oral bacteria and acids that erode enamel.
- Starchy snacks: Potato chips, crackers, and many salty snacks are rich with starch that will break down into simple sugars and feed harmful oral bacteria.
- Citrus: Oranges, lemons, and limes are wonderful in moderation, but enjoying them too frequently can lead to excessive exposure of the enamel to acid.
- Candy: Milk chocolate, fruit snacks, and hard sweets can coat a child’s teeth with sugary residue that feeds harmful oral bacteria.
What Should I Pack in My Child’s Lunches?
Luckily, there are many tasty items that can help prevent oral infections and give your child the nutrients they need. These include:
- Water: Water is one of the best beverages for teeth since it contains no sugar or acid and will keep your child hydrated enough for healthy saliva flow.
- Raw fruits and veggies: Crunchy, crisp plant matter like carrots, celery, and apples are tough enough to scrape plaque and food debris from the teeth and soft enough to be harmless to the enamel when doing so.
- Dairy products: Cheese, milk, and yogurt will provide your child with the protein, vitamins, and minerals they need for healthy teeth and gums.
- Lean meats: Minimally processed meat with a low salt content can provide plenty of protein for your child’s oral health.
- Dark chocolate: This treat has minimal sugar and may help rub plaque off the enamel.
Don’t let your child’s lunch set them up for painful oral infections. Packing healthy foods will help keep their teeth healthy and strong while reducing the growth of harmful oral bacteria.
About the Practice
Beachside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers the finest dental care for children in Satellite Beach. Led by Drs. Tamara K. Robison and Brandon Millard, the team ensures that each patient enjoys compassionate treatment and courteous service in a friendly and clean office. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry for kids. To learn more about keeping your child’s teeth healthy, contact the practice on the web or dial (321) 773-8578.