How Different School Lunches Affect Your Child’s Oral Health

Summer is officially coming to an end, meaning the first day of school is right around the corner! You’re probably getting ready to shop for new school supplies, backpacks, and clothes for the year – but have you thought about lunchtime? It might be the last thing on your mind, but what your child eats during this period can leave a lasting mark on their smile. Your dentist in Love Field explains how different school lunches affect your little one’s oral health and what you can do to protect their pearly whites.

How Does School Lunch Affect Your Child’s Oral Health?

Although brushing and flossing are essential for a healthy smile, dietary choices can also affect oral health. Everyone knows that excess sugar consumption can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease – but most people aren’t aware of how much sugar is hidden in popular lunch foods. Each time your child eats something sweet, the sugar combines with bacteria found in the mouth to produce an acid that attacks teeth. Thus, frequent sugar-filled meals can wreak havoc on one’s smile.

Different School Lunches

Let’s take a closer look at how different school lunches can affect your child’s oral health.

Cafeteria Lunch

All schools have cafeterias and vending machines that offer a variety of options. Unfortunately, most of the foods and drinks available contain unhealthy amounts of sugar.

For example, chocolate milk is one of the most popular and highly consumed items that cafeterias offer. Although it contains the same basic nutrients as plain milk, it has significantly more added sugar. Canned fruit is another not-so-obvious unhealthy food choice. Children hear the word fruit and assume it’s healthy, but these pre-packaged snacks are often sugary and acidic, resulting in weakened tooth enamel.

To help your child maintain good oral health, teach them how to make healthy choices at school! Encourage them to choose fresh fruit over canned fruits whenever possible and to always opt for water.

Sack Lunch from Home

Packing your child a homemade lunch for school is the most ideal option because it gives you more control over their diet. However, you must be mindful of the foods you put in their lunch bag as certain ones (like juice boxes and PB&J sandwiches) can damage 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 all their nutritional needs (fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grains, calcium-fortified dairy products)
• Pack a water bottle or other low-sugar drink
• Include a travel-sized oral hygiene kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss so they can clean their teeth after eating

Lunchtime is much more important than you might think. By helping your little one make healthy choices, they can keep a strong and healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, our team goes above and beyond to provide exceptional, state-of-the-art, personalized dental care. We use the latest techniques, technologies, and materials to help you and your family achieve your best smiles. Before the school year starts, bring your child in for a routine checkup so we can make sure their oral health is in tip-top shape. During the appointment, we can also educate your child on how to make healthy choices during lunch. Visit our website or call our office to schedule a visit.