3 Items for Your Child's Lunchbox That Are Less Likely to Cause Cavities
In a perfect world, your child would have a toothbrush at school so he or she could brush their teeth after eating lunch. Since this isn’t realistic for most kids, it’s not a bad idea to keep oral health in mind when you are packing your child’s lunchbox. A nutritious lunch not only feeds growing bodies, but it can also help keep teeth strong and healthy.
Another essential part of keeping mouths healthy is visiting the dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings. If your children are overdue for their next appointment, there’s no time like the present to call a kid’s dentist in Pikesville. At Naylor’s Court Dental Partners, we love treating children!
#1 Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables give kids the vitamins and minerals they need to be healthy—and to help keep tooth decay at bay. Fruit is a favorite among most kids. Try packing cucumbers, carrots, and celery in your kids’ lunchbox as well. These fibrous vegetables can help clean teeth naturally.
#2 Protein
Most proteins are low in sugar, so they are a great choice for lunchboxes. A turkey or tuna sandwich on whole-grain bread is nutritious and satisfying.
#3 Dairy Foods
Foods in this group are rich in calcium, which is beneficial to all the bones in small bodies—and that includes their teeth. A carton of milk, a slice of cheese, or a cup of yogurt are great additions to your child’s lunch. Cheese, in fact, is rich in enzymes that help neutralize bacteria on teeth, so it is a natural decay preventative.
Everyone knows that sugar is not suitable for good oral health; however, it is still worth mentioning here. If your child isn’t brushing his or her teeth after lunch, sugary treats have no place in the lunchbox. It’s best to hold off on the sweets until after dinner when kids can brush after eating them.
If you have other questions about how proper nutrition can promote good oral health, be sure to ask a kid’s dentist in Pikesville. At Naylor’s Court Dental Partners, we are happy to answer any of your questions!
