Making Winter Mouth-Friendly: 4 Dentist-Approved Holiday Meals

Now that December is here, you may feel it’s hard to protect your smile. This month’s holidays – Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. – make sweets and treats tricky to avoid. However, you can still enjoy festive foods without harming your teeth and gums. All you need to do is switch out the tooth-rotting stuff for dentist-approved holiday meals! As for examples, read on to learn about four seasonal cuisines that are friendly to mouths.

Green Bean Casserole

It’s not winter-themed, but green bean casserole is a great holiday meal for smiles. You can enjoy the dish this December without worrying about your mouth.

Remember, veggies are good for both general health and oral health. A green bean casserole has nutrients like vitamins A and C that strengthen your gums. By eating a lot of it, you’ll make your gum tissue less likely to become inflamed and infected. That means you’ll also have a lower risk of bleeding gums, gum recession, and tooth loss.

Turkey

You don’t need to hold back from having turkey this season. As it turns out, this bird counts as a holiday meal that won’t hurt your teeth or gums.

You see, turkey meat is jam-packed with mouth-healthy goodness. It has protein, calcium, and vitamin D – nutrients that support strong bones and teeth. Rather than harm your smile, the meal should put you at less risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral issues.

Charcuterie Boards

Do you need a holiday appetizer that’s easy on your smile? Well, a charcuterie board could be an ideal solution for you and your mouth.

Note that charcuterie boards include cheese as one of their staples. Since this dairy product is filled with calcium, appetizers that feature it rebuild your enamel and fortify you against tooth decay. Even better, a charcuterie board’s cheese will have casein that protects teeth from acids.

“Caramel” Yogurt Dip

If you’re craving holiday sweetness, you don’t need to have highly sugary junk. Consider making a “caramel” yogurt dip your meal instead.

Compared to other dips, the “caramel” yogurt kind isn’t as bad for teeth. It isn’t sticky like other holiday treats and has a reduced sugar content. To make it, you must combine syrup, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Once the sugar dissolves, you’ll remove the heat, stir in some yogurt and vanilla, and get a dip good for your smile.

Would you like more ideas on dentist-approved holiday meals? If so, talk to your dental provider – they’ll happily provide helpful suggestions!

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry is based throughout the DFW metroplex, including Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington. Led by a diverse team of dentists, our practice aims to give whole families the quality dental care they deserve. Whether it’s preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatment, our team will work to make your smile gorgeous and strong! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (214)-333-3100.