What goes into a lunchbox has a big effect on children’s teeth, because school snacks are eaten over several hours. With a few swaps you can cut down on acid attacks without making lunch boring.
Better choices
- Cheese cubes, yoghurt without added sugar and milk
- Crunchy vegetables: carrot, cucumber and sweet pepper sticks
- Whole fruit rather than fruit juice
- Wholewheat sandwiches with egg, chicken, tuna or peanut butter
- Popcorn without caramel or added sugar for older children
- Plain water to drink
“Healthy” foods that can harm teeth
Some foods sound healthy but are high in sugar or stick to teeth:
- Dried fruit and fruit rolls, which cling to the grooves of teeth
- Flavoured yoghurts and drinking yoghurts
- Fruit juice, including “100% juice”
- Cereal bars and granola bars
- Sports drinks and flavoured water
Timing matters
Saliva needs time between snacks to neutralise acid and repair enamel. Grazing all day gives teeth no recovery time. Try to keep snacks to set times, and keep sweet treats with a main meal rather than on their own.
After school
Offer water first when your child gets home. If they’ve had something sticky or sweet, a drink of water or a piece of cheese helps neutralise acid. Make sure teeth are brushed before bed.
Regular check-ups help catch early decay. Find out about children’s dentistry at our Lenasia practice.