The air is getting crisper, the days are getting shorter, and summer is slowly coming to an end. The first day of school is approaching quickly, meaning it’s time to start preparing your little ones for their return to the classroom. Aside from studying and other activities, there’s another important aspect of school that you must prepare your little one for – lunchtime. Although you might not realize it, your child’s school lunch can have a significant impact on their smile. Read on as your dentist in Collinsville explains how different school lunches can affect your child’s oral health.
How Does School Lunch Affect Oral Health?
It’s no secret that excessive sugar consumption can lead to a slew of dental problems, including cavities, tooth decay, and even gum disease. However, most people aren’t aware of how much sugar is hidden in popular lunch foods. Every time your child eats something sweet, the sugar combines with the bacteria in their mouth, creating a harmful acid that wears down enamel. If they’re constantly eating a sugar-filled lunch, it can leave a lasting mark on their smile.
Types of Lunches
Let’s take a look at how different school lunches can affect your child’s oral health.
Cafeteria Lunches
If you’re a busy parent, you might let your child eat the lunch provided by their school. Unfortunately, some of the foods offered contain unhealthy amounts of sugar. For example, chocolate milk is a childhood favorite that can be found in any public-school lunch line. Although it’s technically considered “healthy” since it contains the same nutrients as plain milk, it has much more added sugar. Another example is canned fruit. Your child may see fruit and think it’s a healthy option, but the prepackaged snack often contains unnecessary added sugar. Luckily, you can help your child maintain good oral health by teaching them how to make healthy choices in the cafeteria.
Home-Packed Lunches
Some children prefer to bring a homemade lunch to school with them rather than eat at the cafeteria. Right off the bat, this is the most ideal option as it gives you more control over your child’s diet. However, you must remain mindful of the foods you toss into their lunchbox. Childhood staples like juice boxes and PB&J sandwiches can harm your little one’s smile with frequent consumption.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while preparing your child’s school lunch:
- Pack a well-balanced meal that meets their nutritional needs (fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain, calcium-fortified dairy products)
- Pack a water bottle or other drink that’s low in sugar
- Include travel-sized oral hygiene essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss) so they can clean their teeth after eating
Lunchtime is an incredibly important part of your child’s day. By encouraging your little one to make healthy choices, you can help them maintain a beautiful, strong smile that lasts a lifetime!
About the Practice
At Collinsville Dental Associates, we help patients of all ages achieve and maintain their best smiles. We are passionate about educating our patients to help them make informed and confident decisions about their dental care. If you have any questions about your child’s school lunch, our team is more than happy to answer them. Visit our website or call (276) 647-1494 to speak to a professional.