{"id":278,"date":"2021-09-05T17:16:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-05T17:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.benchmarkfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=278"},"modified":"2021-09-15T17:18:26","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T17:18:26","slug":"kind-dentist-in-copperas-cove","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.benchmarkfamilydental.com\/blog\/kind-dentist-in-copperas-cove\/","title":{"rendered":"How Different School Lunches Affect Your Child\u2019s Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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With the new school year in full swing, you\u2019re still making the necessary tweaks to ensure that your child has the best opportunity to perform well. You also want to be sure that his or her oral health<\/a> is as good as it can be. Your dentist in Copperas Cove says to accomplish that, it\u2019s important to pay attention to what\u2019s eaten for lunch while at school. Continue reading to learn about the impact that different food choices can have on your child\u2019s teeth and gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Cavity-Causing Effects of School Lunch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When sugar is consumed and allowed to sit on the teeth, it attracts oral bacteria that feed on the leftovers. As they digest the sugar, they release acids that slowly begin to wear down the tooth enamel to cause cavities to form. Unfortunately, there are all types of foods and beverages available at school that can contribute to tooth and gum decay, such as vending machine \u201cjunk-food,\u201d sugary desserts and processed foods provided in the cafeteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your child will be eating lunch offered by the school, it\u2019s important to provide some guidance. Any carbohydrates (starchy foods) consumed should be accompanied by a protein source (fish, chicken, beef, nuts, etc.). The protein-rich foods will help to support their soft tissue maintenance. You can also encourage drinking milk, as the calcium it contains will help to fortify their teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Packing a Bag Lunch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you desire to have greater control over what your child is eating during the school day, you can pack lunch at home. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n