In the next week, children from all over will be returning to school to fill their brains with brand new knowledge. But don’t forget to also fill their lunch bags with healthy choices! Sugary foods are not only bad for your health, they can also lead to unwanted dental issues! Signature Smile Dental has gathered 4 tips to promote healthy eating and healthy teeth for the child on the go!
1. Avoid sticky, sugary foods
This tip is pretty obvious, but often overlooked. When shopping for your child’s lunches, be sure to check the back of boxes for sugar content. Unfortunately, most foods contain sugar, but you can always find alternative choices! Maybe opt for the sugar free juices, or a healthy yogurt!
We know it is easy to throw in a prepackaged pack of gummys, but foods that are sticky and loaded with sugar can easily get stuck to the tooth and cause cavities or decay. If you are having trouble thinking of healthy foods, try tip 2.
2. Add some dairy and fruits products
An easy to way to ensure that your child’s foods are dental conscious is to pack delicious, and healthy, fruits and dairy products.
Dr. Evelina Tolchinsky DDS of Signature Smile General and Cosmetic Dentistry says, “Fruits and dairy products are a great way to sneak in healthy lunch options, the fruit will satisfy your child’s need for sweets and dairy products, like cheese sticks, make eating lunch fun and healthy. My kids love to peel the string cheese, and I love the added calcium to their diets!”
Like any healthy diets, natural is always better.
3. Eat healthy foods at home
We all act out of habit, so be sure to promote healthy eating at home too. Having a well balanced diet will not only keep your children healthy and growing, but it will also keep their teeth in tip top shape.
Try to serve your children balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grain, protein, and dairy! These healthy eating habits will stick with them, even when they are at school.
4. Participate in their dental care
Children learn by example, so be an active part of their daily dental routines. If they see their mom or dad brushing their teeth, then they will want to join in as well! Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, morning and at night, to ensure those teeth stay pearly white.
If your kids aren’t brushing their teeth for long enough, try singing a fun song as they brush, or make up a story. Your kids will be so entertained, they won’t even realize they are improving their dentsl hygiene.
Healthy eating habits start at home, so we hope these 4 tips can make your job a little easier this school year. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment for your family, feel free to stop by our Brooklyn Heights office or give us a call. Our Signature Smile dentists, Dr. Evelina Tolchinsky DDS and Dr. Inna Trogan DDS, are wonderful with children of all ages!
