The ABC Of Teeth-Friendly School Lunches

 

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… well, at least it is for parents … Back to school! 

And while you rejoice in rushing your little ones out the door … books, pencils and jackets in tow … you’ll want to make sure to pack them a healthy and tooth-friendly lunch; one that will help keep those cavities at bay.

Nutrient-rich foods not only fuel those busy bodies and brains, but they also help in the development of teeth and gums! And just as the rest of your body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to grow healthy, your teeth and gums do, too, to avoid decay, gum disease, plaque, periodontal disease and cavities.

The top super-fighting vitamins and minerals to focus on are calcium and vitamin D. Calcium strengthens tooth enamel while vitamin D helps in calcium absorption. Vitamins A and C and minerals such as phosphorous and magnesium are also great to consume.
What you want to avoid are foods high in carbohydrates, sugars and starches as they help create plaque acids that attack the tooth enamel, which will eventually cause tooth enamel to break down, forming a cavity.

So, what are some great tooth-friendly choices that are sure to be a hit with your children and dentist?

 

Help Them Keep That Lovely Smile

 

Calcium-Rich Foods

Cheese, milk and yogurt give your teeth and jaw bone the strength they need. Studies show that cheddar cheese and milk also help to neutralize acid that is created by bacteria.

Crunchy Bacteria Fighters

Fruits and veggies like carrots, celery and pears require you to chew more which, in turn, creates more saliva and helps to kill the bad bacteria in your mouth. There’s a reason why apples are nature’s toothbrush!

Vitamin ABC’s

Look for foods that are high in vitamins A, C and D to keep gums healthy and aid in the absorption of calcium and protein … two key ingredients needed to make strong teeth. Oranges, kiwis, red peppers, tuna and hard-boiled eggs are both kid and dentist approved.

Protein Power

Easy sources of protein can include chicken, turkey or ham deli slices, or even an always-good-for-you bowl of chicken soup. These protein-rich foods help build tooth enamel.

Wondrous Water

Just like us adults, your kids shouldn’t be drinking their calories, either. Make sure to pack them water as their beverage. Water helps rinse away bacteria and food leftovers in the mouth to keep it clean; plus, it keeps the mouth moist to prevent bad breath. Don’t be tempted by labels that read 100% pure fruit juice … they tend to carry far more sugar then you’d think. If your children refuse to drink water, try infusing it with their favorite fruit, or as a last resort, water down their juice.

Packing healthy, tooth-friendly lunches is just one way of establishing good oral habits. You also want to make sure your child is still brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing, especially at bedtime. And continuing with regular check-ups with their dental professional.

Source: The Huffington Post

Tooth Decay In Children

The frequency and duration of oral exposure to foods and drinks with large amounts of sugar should be given the same consideration as diet itself when it comes to preventing tooth decay and cavities in children.

Most parents are aware that they need to watch what their kids eat and make them brush regularly.  Unfortunately, many are not aware that letting kids sip on sugary drinks for hours on end or putting them to bed with a bottle of milk can be just as harmful. These habits can expose teeth to sugar for extended periods of time, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

While fluoridation and improved oral hygiene have resulted in fewer cavities overall  in recent years, cavities in young children are actually on the rise. It is believed that he incidence of cavities in children ages two to five increased 15.2% from 1988-1994 to 1999-2002, the only child and adolescent age group to exhibit increased tooth decay.

Nutrition is an essential important part of good oral health. Parents should encourage their children to enjoy a balanced variety of foods. Optimize kids’ health with snacks that are high in whole grains, such as pita bread or baked tortilla chips, and which include some protein like bean dip, peanut butter or yogurt. Space snacks far enough between meals so children’s appetites aren’t spoiled. With snacks as with meals, limit your children’s intake of added sugars.

• Kids Should Finish Sugary Foods & Drinks Right Away, Not Linger 

Healthy eating and drinking not only plays an integral role in overall health, it can have a profound impact on oral hygiene. To keep the frequency and duration of sugar exposure in check, the AAPD offers these recommendations:

• Fill Sippy Cups With Water Only

Children shouldn’t sip on sugary drinks or munch on sugary foods for extended periods of time. If you give your child beverages other than water, serve them in a can or glass and limit consumption time. If you do provide sugary drinks in sippy or other types of cups, instruct children to finish them quickly. Take away the cup after a reasonable amount of time.

• Don’t Let Children Go To Sleep With Bottles

Even milk can cause tooth decay. If you do put your child to sleep with a bottle, it should contain water only.

• Limit Candy

Sucking on candy is another way that kids can extend exposure to sugar. Limit sweets and the time it takes for kids to consume them, and make sure children brush afterward.

• Brush After Meals

Have your children maintain proper oral hygiene, including brushing after meals and snacks and daily flossing, to reduce the risk of cavities.

 

Fight That Sugar!