Every child deserves a tasty, nutritious lunch after a long morning of education. With the school year well underway, parents across the nation are back in the groove of packing a brown bag for their children. While every parent is rightly concerned about their kid having a full belly in the afternoon, it can sometimes be a little too easy to forget about how some foods can have a negative impact on oral health. Here are some foods that can cause cavities along with some healthy alternatives.
Keep Them Fed with the Right Bread
Sandwiches have been a lunchtime staple for generations of students. Some kids like peanut butter and jelly while others care more for turkey and cheese. Unfortunately, many breads contain high levels of fermentable carbs that feed cavity-causing bacteria, with white bread being one of the worst offenders. A tasty sandwich can leave this sugar sitting in your child’s mouth until the next time they brush their teeth.
Luckily, there are alternatives. Whole-grain bread is healthier for teeth and gums and the carbs it contains are less conducive to plaque buildup. Making wraps from pita bread or tortillas can provide all the meat, vegetables, and cheese of a sandwich with much less bread to feed bacteria. You might even try providing whole-grain crackers with sliced cheese and lean meat for cracker sandwiches.
Skip the Potato Chips
Like white bread, potato chips are full of fermentable carbs that plaque-causing bacteria love. Many chips also contain acidic flavors that can wear away enamel if eaten consistently over an extended period. If your child wants a crunchy snack, try fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, or celery. In addition to being nutritious and good for digestion, the fiber they contain will help clean away plaque as your child chews. Nuts are another great alternative because they contain protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Don’t Be Too Loose with All That Sugary Juice
You might think that juice would be a great and nutritious beverage for kids because it comes from fruit. Unfortunately, most of the nutrition from fruit is in the pulp, leaving juice with a fruity flavor and a ton of sugar and acid. Instead, pack water in your child’s lunch most days and save the sweeter beverages for Fridays and special occasions.
Lunch is a time to relax and socialize during the school day, and it should be something a student can look forward to. By keeping your child’s lunch full of mouth-healthy foods, you can help keep their school year full of learning and free from dental emergencies.
About the Author
Dr. Roxanne Clarke earned her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry before completing a two-year specialty program in pediatric dentistry. She has completed hundreds of hours of advanced education in all areas of dentistry and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Maryland State Dental Association. Her practice in Towson, MD offers general, restorative, and emergency dentistry for children. For more information on packing teeth-healthy lunches, contact her office online or dial (443) 608-5005.