Is your child a picky eater? Do they prefer the same thing every day, or are they more adventurous and willing to try new foods? No matter what kind of eater they are, what they consume at school may negatively impact their pearly whites. While you control what is packed in their lunchbox, do you know what they buy with the money you give them two or three times each week? If you want to help them avoid missing school because they need cavity repair, keep reading to learn which foods are the best (and worst) for lunchtime.
Which Foods Should Not Land on Your Child’s Tray or In Their Lunchbox?
Whether you pack your child’s lunch every day, send them with money to buy a meal, or a little bit of both, knowing which foods can do the most damage to their growing smile is important. When buying groceries or preparing to send your little one off to school for the day, make sure you both know to avoid the following items:
- Bread: While it may be a main ingredient for building a sandwich, certain types can cause plaque, resulting in tooth decay and cavities.
- Chips: Every kid loves potato chips (or most), but unfortunately, they are full of starch, which means a heightened risk of cavities and enamel erosion.
- Fruit Juice: These highly acidic beverages will not only wear away at your child’s tooth enamel but also contain lots of sugar, so the chances of them developing one or more cavities increase.
- Gummy Candies: These sweet treats may be yummy to eat, but they can stick to the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth, leading to extended exposure to sugar. When combined with bacteria and harmful acids, these candies can turn into cavities.
What Are Some Healthier Alternatives?
Instead of filling their lunchbox with the items listed above, or allowing them to fill their tray with everything sweet or starchy, try incorporating the following:
- Whole Grains: Instead of fixing a sandwich with white bread, opt for ones made of whole grain, as they are healthier to eat and produce less plaque buildup.
- Apple Slices: Apples or natural fruit are far better than potato chips. You can even add in your child’s favorite vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or sweet peppers. With so many to choose from, you’re bound to find some that your child will enjoy. Not to mention, they act like little toothbrushes, brushing away stuck-on food and harmful bacteria.
- Water: Keeping your child hydrated throughout the day is essential. Swap out any sodas, fruit juices, or sports drinks with refreshing water. Not only is it good for their body, but it also activates their salivary glands, effectively neutralizing acids that can harm their teeth.
School lunches don’t have to be bland and boring. With countless healthy recipes available online, you can find ones that offer great taste and cavity-free smiles throughout the year.
About the Author
Dr. Lily Hoang is a board-certified pediatric dentist and parent. Dr. Hoang and her team want what is best for your child, and they understand how challenging it can be to know which foods and beverages are best for your child’s smile. If you are unsure of what to pack for their school lunch each day but want to avoid the potential for cavities, visit our website or call (469) 925-0861.