It's back to school month! With going back to school comes the planning of your kids’ lunches. You may be wondering about what healthy, but delicious, options you can pack for them to take to school. Well, look no further! We’ve got you covered with these yummy, tooth friendly lunch options.

Healthy Mouth Heroes

• Bacteria Battlers: Foods like carrots, celery, and apples make your kids chew more, which generates more saliva and kills the cavity causing bacteria in your mouth. You can pack them with some ranch dressing or peanut butter as dipping options to make this a special treat.
• Mighty C: Vitamin C may be an all around superstar ingredient for the skin and immune system, but its also really great for your child’s teeth. Foods high in Vitamin C, such as red peppers, strawberries and oranges, keep your child’s gums in good health by strengthening blood vessels and connective tissue. Its a good idea to slice up these foods ahead of time and preserve them in convenient zip lock baggies.
• Powerful Protien: As most people know, protein is really good for building strong muscles and bones. Well, your teeth are bones too! Packing foods like soups or whole-wheat sandwiches made with protein-rich foods such as chicken, turkey, and ham helps your child’s teeth build enamel. These yummy foods will also help keep their little bellies full through recess and afternoon class work.
• Dynamic D: Vitamin D is one of the best nutrients to help bone development! Pack your child’s lunch with foods like hard boiled eggs and tuna fish. Not only are they protein-rich, but these super foods help aid in the absorption of calcium and protein, two key ingredients needed to make strong teeth. It’s best to use a thermal lunch box to keep these items nice and cold until lunch time.
• Awesome Calcium: Calcium and one health go side by side. Eating foods rich in calcium, like yogurt and cheese, make your teeth and jaw bone strong, while also protecting your mouth against tooth decay. These foods are abundantlly available in easy-to-pack single serving containers. For a non-dairy alternative, try almonds, which also have a high calcium content.

The Lunchtime Villains

As much as possible, stay away from cavity causing foods. Sugary snacks and foods that can get stuck between your childs teeth can lead to breakdown of enamel, making it easier for decay to set in. Sugar-filled sodas and candies arent good options for school luches. When you do give such foods to your kids, do it at home, where they have the option to brush their teeth afterwards.

Have any more questions about what you should and shouldnt pack in your kids’ lunches? Consult your pediatric dentist at their next appointment!