The holidays are here! Besides celebrating reasons to be thankful and shopping for the perfect gifts, food is also an exciting aspect of the season. You’ll be surrounded by several mouth-watering meals and snacks, which can add a couple of inches to your waistline. However, they can also harm your dental health. If you have an upcoming holiday event, here are 4 tooth-friendly appetizers that will draw in a crowd.
1. Meat and Cheese Tray
Everyone loves meat trays, like pepperoni, sausage, or chicken, but cheese is the favorite among dentists. Cheese is a great source of calcium to support strong bones and teeth. It also contains the protein casein, which protects the surfaces of teeth.
2. Hummus
Hummus is a great addition to baby carrots, finger sandwiches, and other delicious snacks. Chickpeas are healthy because they are rich in protein but don’t contain any cholesterol or saturated fats. The beans are also excellent sources of folic acid to promote healthy cell growth. This enhances the body’s defense system and the regeneration of healthy tissues to support overall wellness and gum health.
3. Veggie Tray
Veggie trays provide a healthy option for party-goers. Not only are they loaded with key nutrients, but they also promote clean smiles. Crunchy vegetables act as tiny scrub brushes for teeth. Eating a couple of celery sticks removes plaque and food residue. It also stimulates saliva production to keep the mouth moist and clean between brushing and flossing.
4. Spinach-Artichoke Dip
If your veggie tray or other snacks need a dip, spinach-artichoke is the way to go. Dark leafy greens, like spinach, are good sources of vitamin D, which is necessary for proper calcium absorption. Both artichokes and spinach contain many vitamins and minerals to support better health.
Encourage Healthy Holiday Smiles
You can ensure your friends and loved one’s head into the new year with better dental and general health. Besides choosing nutritious snack foods, set out some dental flossers, travel-size toothbrushes, and other oral hygiene items to help your family keep their teeth and gums healthy while away from home.
When selecting beverages for your get-together, offer plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated. It will also keep their mouths moist to combat oral bacteria growth. It’s better to skip sodas, alcohol, and fruit juices.
While keeping everyone else’s dental health in mind, don’t forget about your own. Commit to brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Schedule your semi-annual cleaning and checkup to ensure your mouth is healthy for the holidays.
About Dr. Malcom J. Murray
Dr. Murray achieved his dental degree and his AEGD certification at Commonwealth University-Medical College of Virginia. He is also certified in CEREC, metal braces, and clear aligners. Dr. Murray is committed to excellence and maintains memberships with several professional organizations, including the National Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (703) 774-3343.
