{"id":120,"date":"2023-07-07T16:49:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T16:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentalgroupofjefferson.com\/blog\/?p=120"},"modified":"2023-08-25T16:58:10","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T16:58:10","slug":"how-does-school-lunch-impact-your-childs-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentalgroupofjefferson.com\/blog\/?p=120","title":{"rendered":"How Does School Lunch Impact Your Child\u2019s Oral Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With the return of back-to-school season comes a rush of things to do before the year begins. The last thing on your mind is what your child\u2019s school has to offer on the menu. Whether they eat from the cafeteria or the lunch you\u2019ve made, your child\u2019s diet is important. Here\u2019s how school lunch impacts your child\u2019s oral health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/a>How Does Lunch Impact Oral Health?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you send your child off to school, their health and safety are in the hands of others. You can\u2019t monitor exactly what they\u2019re eating in the cafeteria. They could trade lunches with someone else or share snacks with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From lunchtime to when they go home from school, what your child has eaten for lunch has clung to their teeth. Let\u2019s face it: it\u2019s hard enough to get kids to brush their teeth at home, but to ask them to do it after eating at school? They\u2019ll likely not clean their mouth for hours after lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any time your child eats sugary or starchy foods, a harmful acid that wears away at their enamel forms inside their mouth. This can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. Making healthy choices at lunch is key to reducing their risk for dental trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Pack for Your Child\u2019s Lunch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of healthy options to pack for lunch. Of course, sending your child off to school with a nutrient-dense meal is the best way to set them up for success. This could include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and calcium-fortified dairy products. It\u2019s good to include a lot of diversity in your child\u2019s school lunches so they don\u2019t get tired of what they\u2019re eating. They’ll find foods that benefit their oral health delicious. You should also pack them a bottle of water or a low-sugar beverage alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another helpful thing you could keep in their lunchbox is a travel-sized oral hygiene set so they can brush their teeth after eating. This could include a small toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What NOT to Pack for Your Child\u2019s Lunch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/a>Some of these might be your child\u2019s favorites, but avoiding them can actually protect their oral health. It\u2019s okay to have them in moderation. However, it might be better to save those special treats for when you\u2019re at home and they can rinse their mouths or brush their teeth after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some things you shouldn\u2019t pack in your child\u2019s lunch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n