{"id":655,"date":"2021-08-19T16:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-19T16:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=655"},"modified":"2021-09-22T16:15:41","modified_gmt":"2021-09-22T16:15:41","slug":"dentist-love-field-different-school-lunches-affect-child-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/19\/dentist-love-field-different-school-lunches-affect-child-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Different School Lunches Affect Your Child\u2019s Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Summer is officially coming to an end, meaning the first day of school is right around the corner! You\u2019re probably getting ready to shop for new school supplies, backpacks, and clothes for the year \u2013 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\u2019s oral health and what you can do to protect their pearly whites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does School Lunch Affect Your Child\u2019s Oral Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 but most people aren\u2019t 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\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different School Lunches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at how different school lunches can affect your child\u2019s oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cafeteria Lunch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s healthy, but these pre-packaged snacks are often sugary and acidic, resulting in weakened tooth enamel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sack Lunch from Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s smile with frequent consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to keep in mind while preparing your child\u2019s school lunch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n