{"id":602,"date":"2022-08-10T02:13:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T02:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arbordentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=602"},"modified":"2022-09-12T02:22:53","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T02:22:53","slug":"school-lunches-and-cavities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arbordentalcare.com\/blog\/school-lunches-and-cavities\/","title":{"rendered":"School Lunches: Cavity Central"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Whether you pack your child\u2019s lunch or they purchase one at school, this meal providing them with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is an important part of their day. Not only will this encourage a healthy smile, but it will also help their body function as intended. Unfortunately, many common school lunches don\u2019t give students what they need for good oral and overall health. In fact, some popular foods even encourage tooth decay. Read on to learn about the connection between school lunches and tooth decay, what to pack your child<\/a> instead, and other ways to help them prevent decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How School Lunches and Cavities are Linked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cavities form when bacteria release acids that attack your little one\u2019s tooth enamel. These bacteria feed off the sugar in the foods and drinks your child consumes. This means that feeding them things like chocolate milk, canned fruit, juice, ice cream, and popsicles encourages the formation of cavities. Additionally, foods that are high in carbs and starch break down into sugar in the mouth. Because of this, other common school lunch items like pretzels, pizza, nachos, potato chips, crackers, hamburgers, french fries, and burritos can also damage their smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Pack Your Child for Lunch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to packing your child a delicious and nutritious lunch, there are several foods you should consider including. Along with water, a few dentist-approve foods your little one can take to school include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n