With mile-long supply lists and a bevy of paperwork, the last thing busy parents want to think about during back-to-school preparation is packing a healthy lunch.

However, with the most common chronic childhood disease being tooth decay and 51 million school hours lost annually due to dental-related illnesses, we need to consider what we’re feeding our kids.

We are here to help! At Dr. Dental, we love exploring all of the ways we can help make life easier, while thinking about how to help you have YOUR best smile.

A balanced diet is a critical element of dental health so consider your child’s teeth when packing the brown bag this fall and include the following tooth-friendly items:

~ Sandwiches made with whole grain bread and packed with protein-rich foods like chicken or turkey to help teeth build enamel.

~ Produce like celery, carrots and apples, which act like a toothbrush by massaging gums and helping to eliminate bad bacteria. (Check out our list of East Coast farmer’s markets to check out here!)

~ Calcium-rich foods like low-fat milk, yogurt and string cheese, which keep teeth and the jaw bone strong and protected against tooth decay.

~ Red peppers and oranges packed with Vitamin C to help strengthen blood vessels and connective tissue in the gums.

~ Hard-boiled eggs and tuna fish to aid in the absorption of calcium and protein.

Of course, brushing after each meal is recommended but isn’t always possible at school. In lieu of brushing, be sure to have your child rinse their mouth with water for a minute after eating to help loosen any food that may be stuck in the teeth.

We wish all of our patients a wonderful 2013-2014 school year!

Do you have questions about your child’s teeth? Give Dr. Dental, specialists in dentistry for all ages, a call or schedule an appointment.

Our family-owned dental offices are proud to bring affordable smiles to all ages at convenient locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

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