Preparing Tooth-Friendly Lunches

As the school season is starting, a new subject is now on our agenda: “Eating habits of school children.”

Of course, weight issues and obesity are the most important health problems in our century, but oral health is just as important. Eating habits play a great role in shaping oral health. Foods with carbohydrates, candy bars, desserts, biscuits and snacks contribute to tooth decay. In addition, sugary sodas and sweetened beverages, including sweetened milk, affect dental health. Hence, in schools where your children does not have an option to brush their teeth after consuming such foods or beverages while at school, this issue poses a serious threat, contributing to tooth decay.

So, the lunch boxes should constitute of tooth friendly foods. These foods are:

Foods of cheese content: Cheese blocks tooth decay as it includes casein. For example; grilled cheese sandwiches etc.

Peanuts: As they are rich in minerals, they strengthen the structures of teeth and saliva. Hence, they should also be in lunch boxes as healthy snacks.

Apples: We are glad to know that fruits are now sold at school cafeterias. Biting into apples clean your teeth and massage your gums. This is why it is highly beneficial to snack on apples.

Ayran (Liquid Yoghurt) and Natural Milk: Ayran satisfies hunger. Unsweetened milk is beneficial, but when milk is sweetened, it turns into a cause behind tooth decay.

When the consumption of chocolate or sodas is inevitable, rinsing with water following such a consumption should help. Chewing “UNSWEETENED or TOOTH-FRIENDLY CHEWING GUMS” in between meals also plays an important role in our oral and dental health.