School lunchbox contents can increase tooth decay risk

Dr. Elif Ayşe Tamtekin Erdoğan, a pediatric dentistry expert at Üsküdar University Dental Hospital, has warned that the contents of school lunchboxes can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay in children.

According to Dr. Erdoğan, sugary, acidic, and sticky foods—such as fruit juices, gummies, carbonated drinks, packaged snacks, crackers, and chips—promote acid production by bacteria, which erodes tooth enamel. She noted that dried fruits pose a higher risk than fresh fruit because their concentrated sugar and stickiness allow them to remain on tooth surfaces longer.

To protect dental health, experts recommend that parents prioritize water or milk over sugary drinks and include neutralizing foods like cheese, yogurt, or fresh seasonal vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers, apples, and pears) to help balance acidity.