Over the summer, it’s easy for parents to keep an eye on what their child is eating. However, once school is back in session, that task becomes a bit more difficult. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you pack their lunch with mouth-healthy foods. Neglecting to do so can lead to serious dental problems, like cavities. Keep reading to learn all about the link between school lunches and your child’s oral health.
The Link Between School Lunches and Oral Health
In short, the food your child eats at school will stay on their teeth until they complete their dental care routine that evening. As a result, filling their lunches with foods that have virtually no nutritional value, like chips and candy, can cling to their teeth for 4+ hours, wreaking havoc on their oral health. Plus, meals and snacks that are high in sugar form an enamel-eroding acid when they interact with the bacteria in their mouth, leaving them even more vulnerable to cavities.
The Importance of Oral Health in Academic Success
At first glance, it might not seem like your child’s oral health would play much of a role in their academic success. However, recent research says otherwise. In fact, the studies conducted showed that children struggling with dental problems were significantly more likely not to complete all of their assigned work and miss days altogether. The psychosocial impacts, like reduced friendliness and feelings of worthlessness, were considerable as well. So, it’s safe to say that your child’s oral health is extremely important in their academic success.
7 Healthy Items to Fill Your Child’s Lunch With
The good news is that filling your child’s lunch with nutrient-dense, mouth-healthy foods doesn’t have to be time-consuming. In fact, many of the below items come pre-cut or individually packaged, so you can put together a well-balanced meal in just a few minutes! Here are a few items to consider:
- Raw veggies, like carrots and celery.
- Fresh fruits, like kiwi and bananas.
- Nuts, like almonds or cashews.
- Applesauce (with no added sugar).
- Yogurt.
- Oatmeal.
- Soup (the more veggies, the better!).
Since many school lunches are filled with items like chocolate milk and chips, it’s not hard to see why cases of tooth decay in children continue to skyrocket. Fortunately, you can help keep your child’s smile cavity-free by offering them the above mouth-healthy options!
About the Practice
At Village Pediatric Dentistry, we know just how important your child’s oral health is. That’s why we offer a wide range of services for growing smiles – from meticulous checkups to teeth-straightening orthodontics – at one convenient location. Plus, our skilled, compassionate team always goes the extra mile to make sure each and every child has the enjoyable experience they deserve. If you’d like to learn more about proper prevention or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 678-456-5572.