As summer winds down, parents will need to focus on back-to-school tasks, such as shopping for a new backpack and getting notebooks. However, it’s also important to remember that your child will be eating a third of their meals at school, and what they consume can affect their dental health. To ensure they pass their next dentist appointment with flying colors, add these snacks to your little ones’ lunchbox.

3 Teeth-Healthy Snacks to Put in Your Kids’ Lunchboxes

1. Raw Carrot Sticks

These crunchy sticks act as a natural toothbrush, scraping plaque and food particles off of tooth enamel. They’re also rich in keratin, which prevents tartar buildup, and vitamin A, which strengthens enamel from the inside. To make your children more excited about this snack, opt for the crinkle-cut variety, which resembles potato chips, and pair them with a ranch-flavored dip.

2. Nuts

Ensure your kids get enough protein by packing a plastic bag of nuts and seeds. Nuts contain folic acid, which protects gums, as well as vitamin D and calcium, which strengthen teeth and bones. Purchase a seasoned mixture or make a trail mix of your own, and make a creamy peanut or almond butter sandwich if one of your kids have a loose tooth.

3. Fruit

Fresh fruit allows children to enjoy a sweet treat while protecting their teeth. Unlike candy, fruit is filled with natural sugar, not added, refined ones. Additionally, biting into apple slices or berries will scrub plaque off of their pearly whites. Entice your children to enjoy their fruits by using cookie cutters to make hearts or stars out of kiwis, apples, pears, or strawberries.

To get your children’s teeth in top shape before the school year begins, take them to Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS, in Kaneohe, HI. Dr. Kujiraoka is a skilled dentist, and she and her team strive to ensure their patient’s smiles are healthy and brilliant. They offer a variety of general dentistry treatments, including routine checkups and teeth cleanings. View their services online, or call (808) 235-2121 to schedule an appointment for your children with this dentist.