As students all around Jacksonville are getting back into the swing of the school year, parents are also getting back into the school routine. One major part of this routine is packing lunches and snacks So in this article, we want to add our two cents on some otherwise healthy foods that can have negative effects on teeth.
Acidic Fruits and Veggies
Oranges, tomatoes, and pickles are a healthy snack and lunch choice in many ways. They are packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants. But their acidic content can soften and erode tooth enamel.
A good solution to this problem is education. These are great snacks when they are consumed with other non-acidic foods such as cheese or yogurt. Drinking fluoridated water can also neutralize the acid for the most part.
Dried Fruits
Raisins and apricots are much healthier than potato chips and candy, but all these foods have one common problem: they stick to teeth. And if they are not cleaned away, they foster bacteria that lead to tooth decay.
Again, drinking water is a helpful solution to this problem. Additionally, remind your child to brush after consuming dried fruit snacks. After all, brushing after snack time is a great habit to develop in the effort to prevent cavities.
Almonds and Hard Nuts
Almonds are a growing snack favorite because of their vitamin E content and their healthy fat content. But crunching too many almonds can pose a danger to tooth structure and lead to fractures.
We do not want to discourage any child from enjoying healthy almonds. So instead of the whole nut, see if the shaved or sliced variety can be as successful.
For More Information on Nutrition and Oral Care
To learn more about any of the points in this article or to get more back-to-school tips, call 904-384-4391 or email drrittenberg@drritettenberg.com.
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