Bacteria lives in your mouth and on your teeth all of the time. Every time you eat sugary foods, the bacteria eats the sugars and produces acids. These acids break down the enamel on your teeth, causing tooth decay. The less sugar you eat, the less acid is produced in your mouth and the healthier your teeth and gums are.
Unfortunately, many people choose sugary treats for their kids’ lunches at school. Even starch-heavy foods break down into sugars in the mouth. When choosing snacks, think about when and how often your child will snack during the day. Limit sugary treats to “dessert” that will be consumed after their main meal. Choose snack foods that are low in sugar and starch and aren’t sticky or chewy.
Here is a list of healthy, teeth-friendly snack ideas to get you started with your kid’s lunch:
Fresh fruits and raw vegetables:
Oranges
Grapefruit
Melons
Pineapple
Pears
Tangerines
Broccoli
Celery
Carrots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Grains:
Bread (whole-grain)
Bagels
Unsweetened cereals
Unbuttered popcorn
Tortilla chips (baked, not fried)
Pretzels (low-salt)
Pasta
Plain crackers
Meat, nuts and seeds:
Chicken
Turkey
Sliced meats
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Nuts