3 Tips for School Lunches to Keep Your Child Smiling

This information was provided by the Michigan Dental Association. 

Packing school lunches that are delicious and healthy can be a challenge. Often, pre-packaged lunch food contain a lot of sugar or have chewy ingredients that can stick on teeth for hours. 

Here are some ideas on what to pack this school year to keep your child's smile healthy. 

1. Choose drinks wisely

Pop a bottle of water in the freezer and send it off with your child for school in the morning. The water will thaw before lunch and will serve as an ice pack in the lunch box. If your child gets bored with plain water, add flavored drops for some taste. If that doesn't work, try packing plain or flavored milk. 

2. Try finger foods

Children don't have a lot of time to eat lunch in school, and parents don't have a lot of time to pack them either. Instead of settling on store-bought lunch items, try finger foods like cut-up vegetables or fruit with small containers of dip. Freeze tubes of yogurt for a cool treat. Pack low-fat pretzels as a substitute for chips. The possibilities are endless. 

3. Pack a toothbrush

Find out whether your child has time for some teeth cleaning after lunch. Some classrooms may have a sink, or students may have bathroom-time before heading back to class. Pack mini toothbrushes and floss with your children's lunch so they remember to take care of their teeth.