{"id":252,"date":"2020-09-02T19:33:28","date_gmt":"2020-09-02T19:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imagine-smiles.com\/blog\/?p=252"},"modified":"2020-09-28T19:33:35","modified_gmt":"2020-09-28T19:33:35","slug":"child-eating-mouth-healthy-school-lunches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imagine-smiles.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/child-eating-mouth-healthy-school-lunches\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Child Eating a Mouth-Healthy School Lunch?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"four<\/p>\n

Over the last decade or so, children\u2019s health has become a popular topic of discussion in America. However, this dialogue has mainly been focused on reducing kids\u2019 caloric intake. Very few people are talking about how various foods affect children\u2019s teeth<\/a>. In fact, some foods that are marketed as healthy may actually contribute to cavities! Let\u2019s look at how school lunches may affect your little one\u2019s pearly whites.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s Easy for School Lunches to Cause Cavities<\/h2>\n

Cavities develop when the bacteria naturally present in your mouth feed on sugars in the foods and drinks you consume. The bacteria then create an acidic waste product that leaves holes, or cavities, in tooth enamel. Frequently eating sugary lunches, especially when your child can\u2019t brush their teeth afterward, can wreak havoc on their oral health. Even foods that are often seen as healthy, such as granola bars and dried fruit, contain high amounts of sugar that can contribute to tooth decay.<\/p>\n

Which Is Better: Cafeteria Lunches or Packed Lunches?<\/h2>\n

While one choice isn\u2019t inherently healthier than the other, there is a case to be made for packing a lunch for your son or daughter to bring. School vending machines are often stocked with sugary options. Additionally, kids are often offered unhealthy food and drink choices in their cafeteria, and they usually don\u2019t have the knowledge or motivation to make the healthiest selection. By packing a lunch, you can at least have some idea of the nutritional value of what your little one is eating.<\/p>\n

If your child is in the National School Lunch Program, ask the school to let you review the menu. If the items being supplied don\u2019t meet your standards for a tooth-healthy lunch, contact the school administrator to voice your concerns. You might be able to make a difference in the school\u2019s food choices and improve the health of hundreds of kids!<\/p>\n

How to Pack a Mouth-Healthy Lunch<\/h2>\n

Here are some tips to decrease your child\u2019s risk of cavities as a result of an unhealthy lunch:<\/p>\n