It’s that time of year again – back-to-school time! Gone are the lazy days of summer and instead it’s back to routines, schedules, and long days. It’s also time to get up earlier and get the kids ready for school. We all know that school cafeterias are notorious for offering kids greasy, deep-fried foods that aren’t good for their bodies or oral health, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together some great teeth-friendly lunch box ideas that are healthy, nutritious, and guaranteed to help you start the school year off right.
Try This!
We’ve put together a sample lunch box idea to get you started. This meal includes items any healthy, teeth-friendly lunch should have, and bonus, your kids will love them!
Turkey Rollups
Spread some hummus, plain or flavored (try sun-dried tomato!), on whole-grain flat bread. Add a few slices of deli turkey meat, and sneak in a little spinach for color and vitamins. Cut into small pieces, and voila! You’ve got a healthy snack your kids will really enjoy.
Doctor Andy says, “Animal proteins like deli turkey meat, skinless chicken breast, and mercury-free tuna contain phosphorus, a mineral essential to healthy tooth enamel.”
Yogurt Parfait
Start with non-fat Greek yogurt, layer in some low-sugar granola for a nice crunch, then add some tasty strawberries. Not only will your kids love the taste, but there’s an added bonus! Calcium is essential for healthy teeth.
Doctor Andy says, “When phosphorus rich proteins are combined with the calcium and vitamin D, these foods keep your child’s bones strong and sets the ground work for strong adult teeth.”
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter and Raisins
Reinvent dessert with this naturally sweet option. Core an apple and slice it into rings. Spread a little bit of peanut butter (or any nut butter) on a slice, then sprinkle a few raisins (go easy with dried fruit, it’s high in sugar and sticks to the teeth). Next, take another slice and stack it on top. Repeat.
Doctor Andy says, “If your child is allergic to nuts or goes to a school where peanuts are banned, you can substitute for low-sugar pumpkin butter! Pumpkin is high in zinc and magnesium, two minerals essential for healthy gums and tooth enamel.”
Best Teeth-Friendly Lunch Box Ideas for School
The best choices for a teeth-friendly lunch box are foods that come from whole grains, dairy, and fruits and vegetables. Shoot for packing an assortment of the following in each meal:
- Whole grains – Think outside the sandwich – use whole grain pasta, crackers, and cereals.
- Dairy Foods – Kids like cheese and yogurt, and these foods supply calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth.
- Fresh fruits – Fresh is better than canned or prepackaged, which often have additives to maintain freshness and are loaded with extra sugar.
- Fresh vegetables – Celery, baby carrots, broccoli, and cucumber are great choices! Include some hummus for dipping, and the kids will like them even more.
What to Avoid
Stay away from juices and soft drinks; they’re loaded with sugar. Avoid chewy, prepackaged snacks that can stick to the teeth. Don’t think of potato chips as a vegetable option – starchy foods like chips and white bread contain carbohydrates that mouth bacteria consume as easily as plain sugar. Reserve sweets like cookies and candy bars only for special occasions.
Contact Doctor Andy Today!
To protect your child’s dental health, you should make sure they get bi-annual teeth cleanings and checkups. Back-to-school is a perfect time to schedule an appointment with Doctor Andy! Give us a call at (440) 842-8015 or send us an email at info@skorothodontics.com to get started.
Connect with Dr. Andy on social media for more back-to-school tips and tricks!
