{"id":268,"date":"2022-09-02T21:50:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-02T21:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brushforkids.com\/blog\/?p=268"},"modified":"2022-09-29T21:52:07","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T21:52:07","slug":"school-lunches-and-cavities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brushforkids.com\/blog\/2022\/09\/02\/school-lunches-and-cavities\/","title":{"rendered":"School Lunches: Which Foods Are Best For Avoiding Cavities?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When it comes to packing your child\u2019s school lunches<\/a>, you may be reaching for what you think is healthy. Or you may be hurriedly throwing items into a bag in the hopes that you simply get them to school on time with something (anything) to eat. It\u2019s also possible that your child tends to buy their meals at school. No matter how it happens, the foods your child ingests not only impact their overall health but also their smiles. If you want to minimize the potential for cavities throughout the year, read on to learn which items they should be eating to keep their teeth free of decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Your Child\u2019s School Lunch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It might not seem like a big deal when picking out which foods your child should eat for lunch, especially when they\u2019re likely to swap with friends or burn off whatever calories they consume while running for P.E. or playing tag at recess. But the truth is that this mid-day meal should be just as nutritious as breakfast and dinner. Not only do they need fuel to get them through the rest of the afternoon, but they need nutrients that will positively impact their body and mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packing or allowing them to choose foods that contain high amounts of sugar and starch might make them happy, but before long, they\u2019ll experience a crash that leaves them hungry, tired, and unhealthy. And when it comes to their smile, their teeth will be even more susceptible to decay because of the way bacteria adheres to sugars and carbs. Creating high levels of acidity in the mouth, these particles began to break down tooth enamel, creating cavities over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, not only will your child complain of toothaches and sensitivity, but they\u2019ll be more likely to miss school because of emergency dentist appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthy Foods That Lead to Cavity-Free Smiles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, which foods should you be packing or reminding your child to reach for when going through the school lunch line? A pediatric dentist recommends the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n