{"id":135,"date":"2021-08-12T16:57:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T16:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.collinsvilledentalassociates.com\/blog\/?p=135"},"modified":"2021-09-14T17:00:18","modified_gmt":"2021-09-14T17:00:18","slug":"dentist-collinsville-how-school-lunches-affect-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.collinsvilledentalassociates.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/12\/dentist-collinsville-how-school-lunches-affect-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Your Child\u2019s School Lunch Affect Their Smile?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The air is getting crisper, the days are getting shorter, and summer is slowly coming to an end. The first day of school is approaching quickly, meaning it\u2019s time to start preparing your little ones for their return to the classroom. Aside from studying and other activities, there\u2019s another important aspect of school that you must prepare your little one for \u2013 lunchtime. Although you might not realize it, your child\u2019s school lunch can have a significant impact on their smile. Read on as your dentist in Collinsville explains how different school lunches can affect your child\u2019s oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

It\u2019s no secret that excessive sugar consumption can lead to a slew of dental problems, including cavities, tooth decay, and even gum disease. However, most people aren\u2019t aware of how much sugar is hidden in popular lunch foods. Every time your child<\/a> eats something sweet, the sugar combines with the bacteria in their mouth, creating a harmful acid that wears down enamel. If they\u2019re constantly eating a sugar-filled lunch, it can leave a lasting mark on their smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Lunches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

Cafeteria Lunches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a busy parent, you might let your child eat the lunch provided by their school. Unfortunately, some of the foods offered contain unhealthy amounts of sugar. For example, chocolate milk is a childhood favorite that can be found in any public-school lunch line. Although it\u2019s technically considered \u201chealthy\u201d since it contains the same nutrients as plain milk, it has much more added sugar. Another example is canned fruit. Your child may see fruit and think it\u2019s a healthy option, but the prepackaged snack often contains unnecessary added sugar. Luckily, you can help your child maintain good oral health by teaching them how to make healthy choices in the cafeteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home-Packed Lunches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some children prefer to bring a homemade lunch to school with them rather than eat at the cafeteria. Right off the bat, this is the most ideal option as it gives you more control over your child’s diet. However, you must remain mindful of the foods you toss into their lunchbox. Childhood staples like juice boxes and PB&J sandwiches can harm 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