The holidays can certainly be a sweet time of year, but unfortunately, the plethora of candies, desserts, and treats made available can be rough on your dental health. Food has always been a part of celebration, but if you’re planning a holiday gathering, you might be interested in providing a few appetizer options that will make your guests want more without helping them develop cavities. Here are a few teeth-friendly hors d’oeuvres that they’ll be happy you served!
Charcuterie Boards and Veggie Trays Will Have Them Packing It Away
Setting out a selection of cheeses, lean meats, grapes, veggies, and whole-grain crackers and breads can provide your guests with a tasty smorgasbord of teeth-healthy delicacies. Cheese is packed with calcium, which is great for your teeth and bones, and, along with snappy, fibrous fruits and veggies, harder cheeses can help scrape your teeth clean of plaque and food debris. Meats are full of protein that your teeth and gums need to be healthy and strong, and grapes are full of tart sweetness and naturally occurring fluoride.
For a Tasty, Cheesy Pick, Go with Baked Mozzarella Sticks
There’s a way to get a tasty, toasty, cheesy delight in without harming your teeth. The internet abounds with baked mozzarella stick recipes that are crispy and cheesy without the fatty calories that come from frying. Some recipes recommend freezing sticks of string cheese before coating them in breadcrumbs or another crunchy coating and baking them until crispy brown. This will provide those with heartier tastes with a smile-friendly snack to enjoy.
If Tasty Dip Is a Must, Always Go with Hummus
Hummus is a tasty dip that goes with snacks of all colors such as breads, pretzels, veggie sticks, bell pepper slices, and finger sandwiches. It’s made from chickpeas and comes in a variety of savory and spicy varieties that provide a satisfying, earthy flavor and texture. You can find it already made at grocery stores. This is a delicious dip that your guests will love to devour.
Holiday gatherings are a fantastic time to celebrate with friends and family, but it’s a great idea to watch out for your loved ones’ dental health. These dishes can provide your festivities with a few teeth-friendly options that your guests will be sure to enjoy.
About the Author
Dr. Sienna Palmer earned her dental doctorate at the prestigious Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, where she made education, clinical experience, leadership, and community outreach her priorities. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the California Dental Association. Her office in Mission Viejo, CA offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on having teeth-healthy holidays, contact her office online or dial (949) 365-0951.