School Lunches That Promote Healthy Teeth

With school in session, it is time to start packing lunches for the kids again. It can be easy to pack processed lunches or have children buy lunch at school rather than taking the time to prepare something healthy. But packing a healthy lunch can be critical to children's oral health. Find out what foods to include in children's school lunches to make sure their teeth stay strong.

Healthy Sandwiches

Most lunches will typically include a sandwich. To make it healthier, use whole grain wheat bread instead of white bread. If you're making them a turkey or ham sandwich, consider adding a piece of cheese. Cheese is a great source of calcium and a certain type of protein called casein. You can spice things up further by adding vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce if your child likes.
If your child isn't a fan of sandwiches or just wants to mix things up, hummus offers a healthy alternative.

Yogurt and Milk 

If your child does not like the food you pack, there is a chance he or she might not eat all of it or simply throw it away. A healthy snack your kids are sure to enjoy is a nice cup of yogurt. Yogurt is packed with nutrients and oftentimes fruit, making it a great choice. Plus, it's easy to eat.  Make sure to read the labels so you don’t buy yogurt filled with sugar!
Milk is always great for the teeth, but if your child is getting bored with traditional milk, try chocolate or strawberry milk. They will still get the added calcium and the added flavor will make it fun to drink. When you're buying milk, skip the whole milk varieties in favor of 1 percent or even skim if your children will drink it.

Fresh Veggies

For a side item, it's easy to pack some chips since it's already packed neatly. Eating a bag of chips every day, even the snack-size version, isn't good for your child's teeth. Instead, try vegetables such as carrots or celery. See what your child likes to dip with them in.  A small amount of ranch can go a long way in making veggies more appetizing for kids.
Packing a lunch can be fun for the parents and the children. Getting your child involved in the process can be a valuable experience. Talk to your child to see which healthy foods he or she likes or is willing to try. That way you know you're packing a healthy lunch that they will enjoy all while maintaining their oral health.

Fun Fall Crafts to do With Your Children

With the cooler weather, visits to the children's dentist for back-to-school checkups and busy mornings rushing to catch the school bus, fall can be a busy time for kids and parents. The perfect way to relax and enjoy the change in seasons is by doing fun fall crafts with the kids. Crafts provide a great opportunity for kids to get creative as well as get outside to collect some supplies that can be used to make their projects.

Personalized Fall Coasters

Fall coasters are easy to make and they are the perfect craft for little hands.

What you’ll need:

• 4-inch square ceramic tiles
• Decoupage glue
• Scissors
• Leaves
• Felt
• Paintbrush
• Marker

Instructions:

1. Clean the tiles with a damp cloth and allow to dry.
2. Let the children use a marker to write their name on the top of a ceramic tile.
3. Allow the marker ink to dry before proceeding.
4. Using a paintbrush, apply a layer of decoupage glue to the top of a ceramic tile.
5. Attach a leaf in the center of the tile.
6. Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue over the top and outside of the leaf.
7. Allow glue to dry and apply three or four more coats of decoupage glue.
8. Cut a piece of felt to fit the back of the tile and glue in place using decoupage glue.

Fall Wreath

After visiting the kids' dentist, take a walk in the park or around the neighborhood to collect a variety of items from nature, such as pine cones, acorns, leaves and twigs. The best thing about this fall wreath is there is no right or wrong way to make it and you can use whatever items you have on hand to decorate it.

Basic supplies needed:

• Foam ring
• Tissue paper or construction paper
• Glue
• Decoration items (leaves, flowers, pine cones, etc.)

Instructions:

• Glue tissue paper or construction paper around the foam ring.
• Cover the outside of the tissue/construction paper by using glue to attach the items found during your walk.

Gather a variety of items from the yard and around the house, get creative and allow the kids to use their imagination. Using recycled items is a fun way to get children to use their imagination. For example, the children's dentist will often give them a new toothbrush during their visit, but instead of tossing the old one, wash it with soap and water, allow it to dry and use it as a paintbrush. Dental floss can also be used to hang decorative items on a fall themed mobile.