[INFOGRAPHIC] Tooth Friendly School Lunches

 

Did you know that over the course of your child’s school years (Pre-K through 12), you will have packed close to 3,000 lunch boxes? Smart snacks and proper nutrition are not only key to fueling your kids through the day but equally for keeping smiles healthy and bright.

Make sure this school year you pack some simple, tooth friendly alternatives! Check out our infographic and additional info below:

Pack less:

• Cookies & Chips: Prepackaged treats such as these are often loaded with preservatives, sugars, and more.
• Dried Fruits: Seems healthy, but dried fruits are like sticky candies. They can adhere to teeth for extended periods of time.
• Juice & Soda: Sugary beverages and the acid in soda are known for weakening tooth enamel.
  

Pack more:

• Fruits & Veggies: Crisp, water dense fruits and veggies are not only great for hydration - but they also help stimulate the production of saliva (which protects tooth enamel and prevents decay!)
• Low-Fat Cheese: The casein protein found in cheese helps to fortify the tooth’s surface and protect against cavities. It’s low in sugar and acid, and high in calcium.
• Nuts: Many nuts provide vitamins and minerals that help teeth! 
• Water: The best beverage for healthy teeth - even add some fruit slices to change its taste!
  

At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental our purpose is to provide exceptional mental and dental care that can impact your child’s life forever. Our practice has been providing excellent pediatric dentistry to children of Long Island for over 14 years! If you have any questions about dental friendly diets give us a call or ask during your next appointment. We have three locations: Nesconset, Massapequa Park, and West Islip.

5 Fruits for Healthy Teeth

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Looking for tooth healthy options for your child's lunch box this school year? Or maybe you simply want better options for your own teeth! We know healthy living has always been associated with eating enough fruits and veggies, but did you know certain fruits are known to be particularly beneficial to the teeth? Find out five below!

Apples. Biting and chewing an apple helps to stimulate the production of saliva, which in turn can reduce tooth decay by lowering bacteria in the mouth! Apples also contain magic acid, a chemical used in teeth whitening products that helps dissolve stains.

Bananas. Loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and potassium, bananas are key to a healthy mouth. Plus the inside of the banana peel can help in teeth whitening! Simply rub the inside of the peel around your teeth for about 2 minutes so the minerals can absorb into your teeth and whiten them.

Watermelon. This summer fruit is rich in Vitamin C, which greatly benefits the teeth and gums. They are also fibrous, which means they can help scrub your teeth as you chew!

Oranges. The citric acid in oranges can help control the acidity levels in your mouth - especially as it encourages salivation. Known to be a source of Vitamin C and calcium, drinking a glass of OJ daily can supplement the calcium in your diet and help build stronger teeth!

Strawberries. A natural tooth whitener that contains both an astringent and Vitamin C. The astringent naturally aids in the removal of surface stains while Vitamin C helps to clear away plaque. 

For more tooth friendly fruits and vegetables, click here!

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. 

NSLW 2014 - Braces Friendly Snacks

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Braces certainly take some getting used to, especially in terms of the foods we eat. Children who would normally chomp into their crunchy snacks, now need to revise their diets to include foods that aren’t painful or damaging to their new wiring.

In honor of National School Lunch Week and National Orthodontic Health Month, we bring you a list of braces-friendly snacks to incorporate into your child’s lunches this year:

• Sliced Fresh Fruit - Try choosing fruits that are soft so they won’t cause damage or a dart of pain (IE: kiwis, bananas, strawberries, grapes, oranges, etc.).
• Applesauce - We all know Fall is peak time for apple picking, so take all those freshly picked McIntoshes and put them to use! Applesauce is packed with vitamins and fiber, and can be made in a big batch, cooled to room temperature and frozen in sealed containers to enjoy later.
• String Cheese - Great as a side snack, cheese is soft enough to bite and as an added bonus, calcium rich foods help to repair damaged tooth enamel
• Hummus - Whether you choose to make your own or purchase one of the many flavors on store shelves, hummus is packed with nutrients including fiber and protein that offers a high satiety value. Serve with cucumber slices (as they are softer than carrots) or pieces of pita bread.

Have any other brace-friendly treats your kids love? Head to our Facebook page and share with the rest of our community!

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.

#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.