With some expert advice, you can pack your child a lunch that they’ll love and that will keep their teeth healthy.
As a parent, you always strive to provide your kids with tasty and healthy meals. However, finding the right balance between the two can be challenging, especially when factoring in the necessity to prioritize your child’s oral health. Thankfully, with some expert advice, you can pack your child a lunch that they’ll love and that will keep their teeth healthy. Here are some tips to get you started.
Opt for Low-Sugar Granola Bars for Lunch
Many granola bars marketed as healthy snacks are loaded with sticky sugar that can wreak havoc on your child’s teeth. The dried fruit and chocolate in these bars cling to teeth and provide a breeding ground for bacteria that cause cavities. Instead, choose granola bars or cereal with zero added sugar and high fiber. Look for bars with a high fiber content and avoid those with chewy fruit or chocolate coatings.
Say No to Sugary and Carbonated Drinks for Lunch
Soft drinks and fruit juices with added sugar are not only bad for your child’s health but also harmful to their teeth. These drinks erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Instead, choose unsweetened juice, natural coconut water, or buttermilk as a healthy and tooth-friendly alternative that pairs well with any meal.
Go for the Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables
Raw fruits, salad, and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber and key nutrients that promote good oral health. Incorporate strawberries, cucumbers, carrots, apples, broccoli, mushrooms, and other fiber-rich foods in your child’s lunch to keep their teeth strong and clean. Eating fibrous foods also helps to reduce sugar intake, which can lead to cavities.
Supplement with Nuts
Most snacks marketed to kids contain high amounts of sugar that can stick to the pits and fissures of teeth, causing decay. Instead of processed snacks, pack your child nuts like almonds, cashews, and raisins, which help clean teeth and curb sugar cravings.
Make Sure to Pack Water
Water is an essential component of any healthy diet and is especially beneficial for oral health. Drinking water can wash away any sugar or food particles on the teeth, keeping them clean and healthy. Be sure to pack a bottle of water for your child and avoid flavored or sweetened water, which can lead to tooth decay.
Incorporate Healthy Eating Habits into the General Mix
Food plays perhaps the most crucially determinative role in oral health—for better or worse. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to foster healthy eating habits in your child, starting with their lunchbox. By making a few simple changes, you can significantly impact your child’s oral health and overall well-being. Give your child a nutritious and oral health-friendly lunch, and watch that smile shine!
Catonsville Dental Care Is The Best Choice for Your Dental Health
Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and a commitment to comfort, safety, and relaxation, you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube.