We know that ‘Back to School’ time can be a bit stressful for parents so here are a few tips from us to make things easier. Having a good routine is half the battle!
A Boosting Breakfast!
Start the school morning with an energy boosting and high fibre breakfast. Porridge is so easy and cheap to make. It is extra nice and even more nutritious if you make it with milk, and you can add things like chopped banana, grated apple and cinnamon to sweeten it up! Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, or nuts like flaked almonds or chopped walnuts give a nice bit of crunch!
Although breakfast bars might be handy, they are very high in sugar and so it's best to avoid them.
A Tooth Friendly Lunchbox!
Pack the lunchbox the night before to beat the morning rush!
Include healthy snacks like wholemeal crackers, nut butter, low-fat Greek yoghurt, and unsalted popcorn, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, celery or carrot sticks.
Keep fruit whole or sliced – once it is turned into a juice or smoothie it releases the sugar in it.
Homemade vegetable soup in a flask is a great option when the weather gets a bit chillier.
Reduce sugary snacks, it is not just the amount of sugar you consume in sugary foods and drinks which causes decay, it is also how often you have them.
Stay fizz-free – Even sugar-free fizzy drinks can damage the teeth as they are acidic and can cause tooth erosion. Plain water and milk are the best drinks when your child is thirsty.
Have the Right Tools!
Keep the teeth clean by brushing twice a day, at night before bed and in the morning. Use a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste from age two years of age (at least 1000ppm). Fluoride keeps teeth strong and helps prevent decay. Children's brushing should be supervised until the age of seven, to help them spit out the toothpaste (but don’t rinse afterwards to ensure that the fluoride in the toothpaste remains on the teeth).
Have the Right Gear!
Make sure you child has a mouthguard to use when playing sport. This will help protect against chipped or cracked teeth or even a tooth getting knocked out.
Watch out for 'Hidden' Sugars
Some foods like pasta sauces and ketchup contain hidden sugars. Always check food labels. An easy guide to remember is that 5g sugar/100g is a low sugar product. Using a shopping list will help with good meal planning.
Make friends with the Dentist.
Visit the dentist at least once a year, they will advise you about how to look after your child’s teeth and will spot any issues early on.