While you’ll want to prepare your little one for the school year with supplies and clothes, you should also ensure they maintain healthy teeth. One of the main ways to preserve their smile is by having them stick to a well-balanced diet. This can be difficult when there are plenty of sugary and starchy foods served during their school lunches. To promote their oral well-being, here are four ways you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong when mealtime comes!
#1: DIY Lunch Kit
You may be tempted to buy your little one pre-packaged meals like Lunchables for convenience. However, these items are typically overpriced and don’t contain essential nutritional value. Alternatively, you can try allowing your child to create a homemade lunch kit that consists of the foods they enjoy the most. Pick out a bento box or a container with sections so that you can package portions of their favorite fruits, veggies, cheeses, and meats. These kits are easy to build, and you might even prep them so that they’re ready for the entire school week.
#2: Breakfast for Lunch
Just because your child is having lunch doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy breakfast food. Some common snacks like low-sugar granola, fresh fruits, and plain yogurt would go well with their meals. You can also conveniently reheat leftover banana pancakes or vegetable frittata and pack them in a small container to stay warm until lunchtime.
#3: Salads or Soups
During the cooler seasons, there’s nothing better than enjoying a nice warm bowl of homemade soup. If you made meals like beef stew or chicken noodle soup the night before, try packing it for leftovers to send with your child the following school day. Once the weather gets warmer, you can send them with a fresh salad instead!
#4: Skewer Style Lunch
Want to make a unique lunch that your child can get excited about? You can try serving healthier food options on a stick! Not only can this keep them entertained while they eat, but you can load the skewer with several of their favorite treats. Be sure to include smile-friendly foods, such as chopped veggies, cooked fish or chicken, and even fruits.
These are only a few methods to help improve their school lunches with healthier food options. They’ll be able to enjoy a delicious, nutritional meal while also maintaining good oral and overall health in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry and has been delivering excellent care for well over a decade. She’s a proud member of several prestigious organizations such as the Academy of General Dentistry and the North Texas Dental Society. She provides a vast collection of advanced and comprehensive treatments, including dental checkups/cleanings and pediatric services. If you’d like to know other ways to spruce up your child’s oral health, feel free to visit our website or call 972-492-6700.