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Like many of you, I'm sending my kids back to school next week. As I was shopping for school snacks, I thought it would be a good to give you a dentist's point of view on school snacks and lunches.

I love for my kids to have healthy snacks like fruit, veggies, nuts, cheese or yogurt when they are home, but when school starts that can be less than practical (and definitely not cool). Some snacks are better than others, however.

The bad list:
Fruit roll-ups and fruit chews - they may contain fruit, but are very sticky and sweet. Even the ones that are all fruit. Fruit is sweet for a reason even if it's natural it is still sugar and concentrating it into a sticky sheet is bad news for teeth.
Juice boxes, sports drinks, soft drinks - stick to water or milk. Juice is high in sugar and both the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend no more than 8 oz. a day, so a glass with breakfast is plenty.
Candy - I know a sweet treat might bring a smile, but save it for when he gets home from school and can brush after, maybe try a cookie or pudding instead, so it's not straight sugar.

The good list:
Fluoridated water - either tap water in a water bottle or if you use disposables then look for Dannon Sport or Ozarka Jr. as they both contain fluoride.
Dipping lunch or snack - it's amazing how much more fun fruit is when you can dip it in peanut butter, Nutella, cream cheese, dressing or yogurt. Sort of a kid version of fondue. Just chop up a bunch of different things and provide a couple dips. Goes well for the elementary crowd.

Also, remember to send them to school with a retainer case if they have an appliance. Napkins are the number one killer of retainers!!

Hope everyone has a good first week of school!