Lunch is many a child’s favorite time of day, especially during school. Nothing beats a tasty break after hard mental work! However, if your child eats certain lunchbox staples too frequently, their smiles could turn into frowns at their next dental checkup.
To help them avoid developing cavities, you can incorporate some smart snacking alternatives that are just as yummy and filling as old favorites. Get ready to swoop in as your child’s lunchbox hero!
Key Cavity-Causing Characteristics
Ideas are good and all, but what’s even better is being able to spot potential dental villains all on your own! When it comes to kids’ diets, artificial sugar and acids are going to be your main foes. Both of them can foster cavities by encouraging plaque and bacteria growth or wearing down enamel.
Swap Sandwiches for Pita Wraps
Sandwiches are a popular lunch choice because they’re easy to make and easy to customize. Unfortunately, the carbohydrates in bread can break down into sugar and create acids. Whole grain breads are better than white bread, but what’s even better than whole grain is pita bread. Try wrapping up your child’s favorite fixings in pita – they might end up liking it better than a traditional sandwich!
A Little Water Goes a Long Way
Does your kiddo like juice or chocolate milk? They’re definitely not alone, but if you’ve ever ventured a glance at the ingredient list for these beverages, chances are you’re well-aware of how sugary they are.
Water will probably sound boring to most non-adults. However, sports drinks and artificial flavors aren’t good substitutes, because they also tend to be sugary. To dress up your kid’s water, you can add natural flavors, such as a few drops of lemon or lime, or cucumber slices and mint leaves.
What’s for Dessert?
Clearly, sugary options like cakes and candies will have to be reserved for occasional enjoyment. You can still give your child a little something sweet to help brighten their meals, though! Fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries have limited amounts of natural sugar, which brush off of teeth more easily. Just remember that all things should be eaten in moderation, even fruit.
Don’t Forget Your Sidekick: The Dentist!
Protecting your child’s teeth can be a tough job. Packing smarter snacks will certainly help a lot, but it takes more than that to prevent cavities. Your family dentist can check on your kid’s oral health and remove particularly stubborn bacteria and plaque. Plus, teeth are kind of their specialty, so if you have any questions or would like more tips, they can definitely point you in the right direction. Consider them your trusty cavity-busting sidekick!
About the Practice
Our team at Norton Family Dentistry is compassionate and gentle. They understand that each child is unique and requires personalized care tailored to their individual needs and preferences. You can count on us to help us defend your child’s oral health! If you’re having trouble with tooth-friendly lunch ideas or would like to schedule an appointment, give our office a call at 508-226-1686.
