As a family dentist serving the Burlington community for years, I’ve seen firsthand how dietary choices impact oral health. While we often discuss brushing and flossing during appointments at Appleby Dental Professionals, what goes into your family’s lunch boxes plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Let’s explore some tooth-friendly lunch options that will keep your family’s smiles bright!
Why Your Family Dentist Cares About Lunches
What we eat affects our teeth almost immediately. Every time we consume food, especially those containing sugars and carbohydrates, bacteria in our mouths produce acids that can attack tooth enamel for up to 20 minutes. When we pack lunches that minimize these acid attacks while providing essential nutrients, we’re supporting both oral and overall health.
Family Dentist-Approved Main Courses
Protein-rich foods are excellent for dental health. They help neutralize acids and provide calcium and phosphorus that strengthen tooth enamel.
- Chicken or turkey wraps with whole grain tortillas and crunchy veggies
- Egg salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for added calcium
- Tuna packed in water with whole grain crackers
- Hummus and vegetable boxes with colorful bell peppers and carrots
- Greek yogurt parfaits layered with berries and a sprinkle of granola
Fruits and Veggies Your Family Dentist Loves
Fresh fruits and vegetables stimulate saliva production and help clean teeth naturally.
- Apple slices – their natural crunch helps clean teeth surfaces
- Cucumber rounds – high water content helps rinse away food particles
- Cherry tomatoes – vitamin C helps maintain healthy gums
- Celery sticks with a small amount of nut butter – acts like nature’s floss
- Berries – lower in sugar than many other fruits
Snacks Recommended by Family Dentists
Between-meal snacking can be particularly damaging to teeth if the wrong foods are chosen. Pack these instead:
- Cheese cubes or sticks – calcium-rich and helps neutralize acid
- Plain nuts like almonds – contain calcium and protein without added sugars
- Roasted chickpeas – crunchy, satisfying, and won’t stick to teeth
- Edamame pods – fun to eat and packed with nutrients
- Air-popped popcorn – without added sugar or caramel coating
Drinks Your Family Dentist Recommends
What your family drinks at lunch matters just as much as what they eat:
- Water – always the best choice for dental health
- Milk – provides calcium and strengthens teeth
- Flavoured water – with a splash of fresh fruit (no added sugar)
Avoid packing juice boxes, sports drinks, and sodas, which bathe teeth in sugar and acids throughout the day.
Sweet Treats Your Family Dentist Won’t Frown At
Yes, I understand that sometimes a little sweetness makes lunch special! Consider these tooth-friendly treats:
- Dark chocolate squares (one or two small pieces)
- Yogurt tubes (frozen for a special treat)
- Fresh fruit with a tiny drizzle of maple syrup
- Homemade oatmeal cookies with reduced sugar and added nuts
Family Dentist Packing Tips
- Include a small water bottle to rinse the mouth after eating
- Pack a travel toothbrush for older children who can brush at school
- Consider the timing – sticky foods are better eaten as part of a meal rather than as standalone snacks
- Think texture – crunchy foods help clean teeth naturally
- Remember also temperature safety – use ice packs to keep perishable items fresh
Special Occasions: A Family Dentist’s Perspective
Even as a family dentist, I understand that birthdays and special events happen! For these occasions:
- Choose cupcakes over sticky, chewy treats
- Offer dark chocolate instead of caramels or toffee
- Serve treats with meals rather than as standalone snacks
- Encourage water consumption after sweet treats
At Appleby Dental Professionals, we believe that good nutrition and good dental health go hand in hand. By basically packing tooth-friendly lunches, you’re not just preventing cavities—you’re establishing healthy habits that will benefit your family for life.
Remember, after all -your family dentist is your partner in maintaining healthy smiles. If you have questions about how diet affects dental health or need personalized recommendations, we’re here to help. Contact our Burlington office at (905) 331-7654 or email [email protected] to schedule your next family appointment, besides who doesn’t love an eggsalad sandwich it’s basically a classic.