Back-to-school season is now in full swing, and you’ve probably got a lot of things on your mind as you get your little one prepared for the new school year. One thing you shouldn’t disregard is your child’s smile—you certainly want their teeth looking as healthy and white as possible for their yearbook photo! But did you know that what they eat throughout the day plays a large part in their overall oral health? Here are a few suggestions from your dentist for keeping your child’s smile bright by providing healthy options for their school lunches in South Windsor.
How Does My Child’s Lunch Affect Their Oral Health?
To put it simply, everything that your child eats throughout the day influences their oral health, but especially their lunch! The leftover particles from the food they eat for lunch will remain stuck to their teeth until their evening dental care routine. This means that foods high in sugars and starches will have hours to wreak havoc on your child’s pearly whites! The enamel-eroding acid that’s formed when sugars interact with the bacteria in your mouth leaves your child’s teeth very vulnerable to cavities and other concerns.
And believe it or not, poor oral health can also have a negative impact on your child’s academic success. Research indicates that children struggling with dental problems are significantly more likely to not finish all of their assigned work or attend class as frequently. There are also psychosocial implications such as reduced friendliness and diminished self-confidence. Needless to say, your child’s oral health matters greatly when it comes to their studies.
The Problem with Cafeteria Lunches
School lunches are undoubtedly convenient for families with busy schedules or limited options, and recent legislation has made steps towards improving the healthiness of what school cafeterias are offering. However, there are a few things that remain problematic, such as chocolate milk and canned fruits. These items, along with other options that are typically offered, are high in sugars and acids that pose a threat to enamel. On top of that, school lunches also often lack the same overall nutritional value that a homemade lunch can offer.
Suggestions for Packing Your Child’s School Lunch
There are several healthy options you can include in your child’s lunch to help their oral health and in turn, their academic success. Here are just a few items to consider:
- Raw vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumber and more.
- Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, kiwis, etc.
- Nuts like almonds or cashews.
- Dairy options like yogurt, cheeses, and plain milks.
- Soups and broths (with lots of proteins and vegetables).
- Water—water is the absolute best beverage for your child’s oral health.
Knowing how to provide healthy options for your child’s school lunch will go a long way towards improving their oral health and keeping their smile as bright and white as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Sara E. Curcio has proudly served the dental needs of the South Windsor, CT area for several years. Dr. Curcio received her dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. Her practice is pleased to offer many available services including children’s dentistry. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit for you or your child, feel free to contact Dr. Curcio’s practice online or over the phone: (860) 644-2476.