Hosting family for the holidays can be a fun and exciting time. It can also be stressful, especially if you’re responsible for the cooking. Planning the big dinner often means trying to appease everyone with their favorite dishes – a task that can be difficult if you want to minimize your chances (and everyone else’s) of developing cavities this time of year. Before you begin building your grocery shopping list, find out which dentist-approved holiday foods you should consider that your family will love.
Sweet Treats: Dark Chocolate
Holiday treats may be everywhere you look; however, when you begin to compare which ones are “good” and “bad,” you’ll find that dark chocolate can be a healthier choice when needing to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Not only does it contain less sugar than milk chocolate, but it’s also known to reduce your risk of gum disease and bad breath! It’s also easy to clean off your teeth because it melts and doesn’t stick to your tooth enamel.
Delicious Dairy: Cheeses
Calcium-enriched foods are a great option when feeding the masses. No matter which type of cheese you choose to serve, it will benefit your oral health by strengthening your enamel and neutralizing any harmful acids that could otherwise lead to cavities and tooth decay.
You might also consider other dairy options, such as milk when filling little ones’ glasses or yogurt when crafting a delectable dessert.
Get Crafty: Charcuterie
If your responsibility isn’t the big meal but instead a smaller, more intimate gathering, consider embracing your crafty side by creating a charcuterie board. Consisting of various meats, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and cheeses, this smorgasbord is likely to contain everything from protein and calcium to other essential nutrients like Vitamin C, K, and D.
Not only will your tooth enamel and gums remain better protected against harmful bacteria, but you and your loved ones will have your hunger satisfied with this arrangement of tasty food options.
Turkey, green bean casserole, and fresh fruits and vegetables are also great options this holiday season. By incorporating these foods into your big meal, your family may find some new favorites to enjoy, making future smile-friendly dinners easier to plan.
About the Author
Dr. Cornelia Dadaciu has more than 20 years of experience helping patients achieve their smile goals. Offering an array of services that produce optimal oral health and eye-catching results, she and her team at Delray Beach Smile Design work hard to give patients what they need year-round. With the holidays quickly approaching, she is happy to provide helpful tips that are not only meant to encourage good oral hygiene but also better nutrition. If you need help to plan a smile-friendly holiday dinner, contact us at (561) 404-4804.