Healthy Back To School Snacks For Healthy Teeth

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Back to school with my favorite lunchtime snack

The annual ritual for back to school is here. Daycare, Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School – your school year schedule is back.

For the last few weeks so many of you have been out there checking off clothing and school supply lists. Finding the perfect outfit for 1st day pictures, school pictures and practicing your child’s adorable smile.

While you were busily hunting for the treasured lunch box your child has been asking for, you were also planning what you were going to be packing into it for snacks and lunch that meet your child’s seal of approval.

You know it is important for your child to have a healthy balanced diet. Snacks and lunch at school need to provide a good source of protein, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and grains.

If your child purchases their school lunches this is a great opportunity for you both to have a conversation about healthy food choices. If vending machines line the hallways or lunch room at your tween’s or teenager’s school, this is a good time to sit down and discuss healthy selections.

What are some good choices to include in their lunch box?

Sticky and chewy snacks need an upgrade. Fresh fruit and veggies are always flavorful and appealing. Have your child help you select their apple, pear, strawberries, orange, grapes. To make eating them more fun for your child to eat you can pre-peel a Clementine or Mandarin Orange, or cut their fruit and veggies into different shapes with your cookie cutters.

Know what goes great with fruit and is good for teeth? Cheese! The calcium in cheese is healthy for growing teeth and growing bones. So it’s a win-win 2 for 1.

When thinking about bread and crackers, whole grains are a great addition to stay on that healthy track.

A healthy drink to wash down a good lunch and snacks is water. Drinking regular plain old water is best. It’s best to avoid juice boxes and soda. To encourage your child to drink more water try having them select their own water bottle. With some reminding they’ll be more likely to bring it along on all your outings.

You’ll be surprised how satisfied your child is with their lunch and snacks, and how happy you are knowing they are eating healthy.

I’ve got this!

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

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Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.