{"id":55,"date":"2021-08-26T17:24:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-26T17:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.villagepediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=55"},"modified":"2021-09-21T17:25:10","modified_gmt":"2021-09-21T17:25:10","slug":"the-link-between-school-lunches-and-your-childs-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.villagepediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/the-link-between-school-lunches-and-your-childs-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Link Between School Lunches & Your Child\u2019s Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Over the summer, it\u2019s easy for parents to keep an eye on what their child is eating. However, once school is back in session, that task becomes a bit more difficult. That\u2019s why it\u2019s of the utmost importance that you pack their lunch with mouth-healthy foods. Neglecting to do so can lead to serious dental problems, like cavities. Keep reading to learn all about the link between school lunches and your child\u2019s oral health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Link Between School Lunches and Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In short, the food your child eats at school will stay on their teeth until they complete their dental care routine that evening. As a result, filling their lunches with foods that have virtually no nutritional value, like chips and candy, can cling to their teeth for 4+ hours, wreaking havoc on their oral health. Plus, meals and snacks that are high in sugar form an enamel-eroding acid when they interact with the bacteria in their mouth, leaving them even more vulnerable to cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Oral Health in Academic Success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At first glance, it might not seem like your child\u2019s oral health would play much of a role in their academic success. However, recent research says otherwise. In fact, the studies conducted showed that children struggling with dental problems were significantly more likely not to complete all of their assigned work and miss days altogether. The psychosocial impacts, like reduced friendliness and feelings of worthlessness, were considerable as well. So, it\u2019s safe to say that your child\u2019s oral health is extremely important in their academic success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Healthy Items to Fill Your Child\u2019s Lunch With<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that filling your child\u2019s lunch with nutrient-dense, mouth-healthy foods doesn\u2019t have to be time-consuming. In fact, many of the below items come pre-cut or individually packaged, so you can put together a well-balanced meal in just a few minutes! Here are a few items to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n