#WellnessWednesday - Packing Healthy Lunches

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

 

Food plays an important role in balancing mood and concentration. Not to mention, the right foods can have positive effects on your dental health! With the school year gearing up, now's the time to get into the groove of packing teeth friendly lunches that also give your child a boost for improved learning.

Packing a healthy lunch for your kids doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time consuming. Here are some ideas to make it easy:

• Pretzel Kabobs - Take some ham, turkey, and cheese and roll them up together - then skewer them with pretzel sticks. The casein protein found in cheese (or other milk products) helps to fortify the tooth’s surface and protect against cavities. It’s low in sugar and acid, and high in calcium!
• DIY Pizza Lunchables - Use a whole-wheat sandwich thin, turkey pepperoni, pizza sauce, and shredded low fat cheese. If bread products have to be included in the meal, stick to whole grains. While they can still stick to your teeth, bacteria doesn't grow as quickly when you choose foods made with whole grains instead of foods made with refined grains and added sugar (like white bread).
• Power Pita - Take 2 mini whole wheat pita pockets and stuff them with grilled chicken strips, leafy greens, and other veggies. Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C - a nutrient that builds collagen which helps for strong gums. Vitamin A, found in leafy greens and carrots helps to protect tooth enamel!

Encouraging healthy eating habits now can go a long way!

Have any other tooth-friendly treats your kids love? Head to our Facebook page and share your ideas! And don't forget to take your kid's selfie for our #SelfieOfSummer contest!!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.