Not sure what to put in those lunch boxes! You will want to add some snacks that your kids will think are yummy, but are also healthy, and tooth-friendly. From salty and sweet to crunchy and chewy, here are some fresh solutions for this school year:
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great substitution for pudding. This yummy snack is loaded with probiotics that can help heal mouth sores and promote healthy gums.
Pita Chips and Hummus
Consider adding whole grain pita or even vegetables with hummus instead of packing buttery popcorn. Popcorn can damage your children’s teeth, with or without braces, and can lead to tooth decay.
Fresh Fruit
Put the dried fruit snacks down! They contain high amounts of sugar which we all know does damage to your child’s teeth. Sugar bugs live on your children’s teeth and erode away their tooth enamel. Fresh fruits that have high water content, like apples and pears, counteracts the sugar in the fruit.
String Cheese
Cheese is great for your child’s teeth. It helps reduce plaque growth, boosts their enamel (making their teeth stronger) and tastes great!
Flavored Water
We know not everyone likes the taste of water, but keep the fruit juice and Gatorade out of their lunch box! It may be their favorite, but it has more sugar than eating fresh fruit. Add a naturally-flavored, sugar-free water alternative — or a packet for them to create their own at the lunch table.
If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.
