Back-to-School Lunchbox Snacks for Healthy Teeth

The start of school is just around the corner and Sala Family Dentistry has comprised a list of good-for-your-teeth lunch ideas!

Instead of gummy fruit snacks, pack your kid’s lunch with fresh raw fruits like blueberries, grapes, strawberries, etc. While they might seem like a healthier option than candy, AVOID dried/dehydrated fruits which have a very high sugar content and are prone to stick between teeth.

Instead of chips, pack fresh cut-up veggies, carrot sticks, sugar snap peas, cucumber slices, sweet pepper strips. Celery sticks with peanut butter are good but instead of raisins on top, try chocolate chips or chocolate M&M’s for an extra special treat!

Instead of chewy granola bars or cereal bars try peanut butter on whole wheat waffles or whole-grain bread, plain greek yogurt topped with frozen berries and sweetened with honey, or cinnamon sprinkled on sliced green apples.

Although Lunchables are a convenient food to pack for your child, DIY ‘Lunchables’ are a healthier option — try cold chicken strips in a whole wheat pita with sliced cheese and halved red grapes.

Tips to remember: Avoid sticky crackers, bars, fruit snacks, dried fruits, cookies, chips, sugared yogurts, and fruit pouches that are OVERLOADED with sugar!  If you want to pack sweet treats choose ones that will not stick to teeth for a long time after eating. Instead, chocolate chips, yogurts that are not heavily processed with tons of added sugar, and Nutella with sliced apples are examples of healthier alternatives to common sweet snacks.

When it comes to beverages,  water is always the best option….sweeten it up with sliced frozen fruit if your kids like that better. Stay away from juice boxes and sports drinks.  Sweetened coffee drinks are DEFINITELY not good options especially for children and young adolescents!

For more tips about oral healthcare, be sure to check out our blog. We regularly post new content. To schedule an appointment, contact Sala Family Dentistry in Reno today.