Healthy lunchbox treats for kids this back to school season

Back to school season is already upon us! And with this comes every parent’s dilemma of what healthy snacks to pack in their child’s lunchbox every morning. Here are some fun and healthy treats that are easy to pack and good for your teeth.

• Cheese and yogurt: cheese and yogurt contain calcium and protein, which strengthen the teeth’s enamel. They also lower the risks of cavities by getting rid of all the unwanted bacteria that get stuck to the surface of your teeth. Yogurts can also be a delightful and healthy substitute for dessert.
• Apples: An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Chewing an apple generates a lot of saliva, which in turn helps wash away the bacteria and food particles in your mouth. Pack an apple or a couple of slices daily to keep your child’s teeth in top shape.
• Celery: celery is a great source of vitamins A and C, which strengthen the gums. It also acts like a toothbrush by gently scrubbing away the bacteria on your teeth. Make this snack more fun by spreading some low-fat dip or cream cheese.
• Carrots: just like apples, carrots are high in fibre and reduce the risk of cavities. They are also rich in vitamin A, which are great for the gums. Packing slices of carrots or baby carrots is a great way to add some orange crunch to your child’s lunch.
• Almonds: almonds are very nutritive snacks! They are full of calcium and protein, and low in sugar and saturated fats. Sending a handful of almonds or adding them to a salad is a great way to treat your child to a nutritious treat.
• Strawberries: strawberries are a fun and tasty snack. They reinforce your gums thanks to their high vitamin C content, not to mention that they are rich in antioxidants.

Try to avoid:

• Candy: whether hard or chewy, candy is full of sugar and increases the risk of developing cavities.
• Sodas and sports drinks: sodas and sports drinks have high acidic contents that erode the teeth’s enamel if consumed in large doses.
• Chips and crackers: when chewed, chips and crackers become mushy and often get stuck in your molars or between teeth which can cause problems for your gums.

The key to a healthy diet is balance! Make sure that your child gets at least one source of protein, fruit, vegetable, cereal and dairy to maintain great oral and general health.