It’s officially back-to-school season, and that means the return of the packed lunch! School lunches play a significant role in a child’s daily nutrition, so it’s important to pack meals that keep their smiles bright and healthy, while still being delicious.
Here, we’ll explore three recipe ideas and tips for packing tooth-friendly school lunches!
Veggie wrap
Add cheese and your child’s favorite crunchy veggies to a whole-grain tortilla wrap. Carrots, bell peppers, spinach and cucumbers are all great options. The crunchy texture of the veggies in this wrap stimulates saliva production, which aids in neutralizing acids and washing away food particles that could lead to tooth decay.
Bento box
Fill a bento box with veggies, cheese, Greek yogurt, crackers and berries. Calcium is essential for building strong teeth and bones, and this bento box idea is packed with calcium-rich foods. Cheese is not only a good source of calcium but also helps balance the pH level in the mouth, reducing the risk of enamel erosion!
Quinoa salad
Add grilled chicken or turkey to cooked quinoa to make a fun and healthy salad! Diced tomatoes and broccoli both pair well with this combo. The lean protein from chicken or turkey helps repair and strengthen tooth enamel, while quinoa is a great source of phosphorus, an essential mineral that supports tooth mineralization.
Tips for Packing Tooth-Healthy Lunches:
- Avoid sugary beverages like soda or fruit juices and opt for water or milk.
- Limit sticky and sugary snacks like gummy candies or fruit roll-ups.
- Encourage children to brush their teeth after lunch or at least rinse their mouths with water.
- Include a small travel-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in their lunch bags for convenient brushing.
By incorporating tooth-healthy packed lunches into your kiddo’s daily routine, you can instill good habits that will last a lifetime. Also, if your child hasn’t visited us in a while, schedule an appointment with Jackson Dental by calling (573) 243-5200 or stopping by our office at 3100 E Jackson Blvd., Jackson, Mo.