The CNE and Labor Day Weekend. Yes, back-to-school…..the end of late nights, sleeping in and spending countless hours enjoying the sunshine. It’s time to get back into a regular routine for school. While most parents are thrilled for this time of year, it can be challenging to get kids back into the swing of things and thinking about their dental routine.
But you need not worry because we are here to help!
We are happy to share a few tips and ideas for a healthy start to the school year:
Breakfast: the fuel to get you through the day…
Eggs are a very good source of high quality protein and a good source of vitamin D. Boil eggs the night before so they are ready to eat in the morning for a quick nutritious breakfast. Yogurt will help strengthen your child’s teeth. It is rich in protein and calcium and counts towards a daily serving of dairy. Yogurt drinks are great if you are on the go! Adding fruit like apples is a great idea as it removes plaque from teeth and increases saliva flow, keeping their teeth shiny and clean.
Lunch: preparing the dreaded school lunch…ughh
Although it’s easy to add pre-packaged treats to lunches, keep in mind they often are a high source of sugar which can lead to tooth decay. Invest the time to research healthy lunch and snack ideas.
Fruit and vegetables. Kids don’t like the same old thing every day, be creative and change things up. Children are drawn to bright colours so include a rainbow of fruits & veggies.
Did you know: foods like apples and carrots can actually help clean your teeth! Cheese is a great teeth-healthy snack. Buy cheese strings or cut up cubes of cheese and perhaps add some grapes for a sweet crunch. Forget chips….Pretzels are a healthier substitute but make sure to drink lots of water because “pretzels make you thirsty” ; )
Your child’s dental health is a priority. So don’t forget to schedule a dental check-up. It’s a good idea to start your child’s school year knowing that he/she is cavity free and in optimum oral health.
We hope you all had a great summer and wish you all the best for a successful school year.
