Back To School: Cafeteria Food Vs. Oral Health

It's that time again, back to school. The topic that were addressing today is that of school lunches, and how they can affect your children's oral health.

According to a report by the Academy of General Dentistry, children don't get the nutrition needed to maintain a healthy mouth from school lunches. In fact, they may actually contribute to cavities and other oral issues. With gum disease now linked from everything to obesity to heart disease, and even rheumatoid arthritis, there are a number of adverse health issues that can arise from poor oral hygiene. Here are a few tips for your children's lunches that can help maintain a healthy mouth.

Take Time & Plan Ahead
Take the time to plan out what you're going to be packing for your children's lunches. If they have some say in what they'll have to eat, they'll be much more likely to actually eat it. Set some guidelines and options at the same time and you'll be able to rest much easier knowing they're eating healthy.

Snack Well & Eat Right
Fruits and vegetables make the best snacks, but they're not all good for your teeth. Try to avoid things like raisins, dried figs, or apricots as they are sticky or chewy and will stick to the teeth. When this happens, saliva wont be able to wash away the sugars. These sugars combine with bacteria in the mouth and will contribute to forming excess plaque. This leads to acid production which attacks the teeth and can cause decay.

Choose Wisely
The best fruits to send are those that are higher in water content like apples, pears, grapes, and melons like cantaloupe. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are the best choices for snacks/sides. Remember though, just because you pack it doesn't mean they'll eat it. A small cup of ranch dressing can make all the difference in the world to a child's taste buds.

Express Yourself
If you're not packing your child's lunch, ask the school for a list of available items in the cafeteria and vending machines. In most cases, they'll even provide the menu for you. If whats being offered isn't up to your standards, consult the school administrator to express your concerns. You may be able to make a difference in the food choices the school offers.

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Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.