Are you planning to host family and friends this holiday season? If so, you may be trying to determine which dishes will be most delicious and enjoyable. You might also want to know which foods are best for keeping smiles happy and healthy this time of year. Before you start planning your menu, consider these four holiday meals that not only taste good but also keep smiles looking and feeling their best.
Cheese Can Provide Holiday Cheer
You can’t go wrong with a cheese platter. With so many options to choose from, you and your guests will be fully satisfied with the delectable selections.
Apart from being rich in calcium, which helps keep your tooth enamel strong, cheese also helps balance the pH levels inside your mouth. This means harmful bacteria are less likely to grow and cause harm to your teeth and gums.
Tantalize Their Taste Buds with Turkey
Turkey is a lean meat that is not only good for your overall health but also for your smile. Making this dish the centerpiece will ensure everyone has access to a smile-friendly source of protein.
Turkey contains phosphorus, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduces the risk of cavity formation. By adding this to your menu, you can feel confident in what you’re serving your guests.
Satisfy Their Sweet Tooth with Caramel Dip
While you may not be using actual caramel for this dish, you can achieve the same great taste and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Using agave syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, a little bit of salt, and plain yogurt, your guests will enjoy this delicious dip. Although it tastes like caramel, it doesn’t have the sticky consistency, which means it won’t adhere to your teeth and create potential problems.
Incorporate Crunchy Vegetables for Additional Flavor
Don’t forget to incorporate colorful and crunchy vegetables as part of your holiday table. When planning which dishes to serve, make sure your guests can reach for carrots, celery, and even bell peppers. You can think of them as tiny toothbrushes that help clear away food particles and bacteria.
Vegetables also contain many vitamins and minerals that help safeguard your teeth and gums against cavities and gum disease, effectively promoting better oral and overall health.
Prepare your table with greater confidence and give your guests a holiday experience that not only tastes good but also protects their smile.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Parker is a family dentist in Calimesa who enjoys making his patients comfortable each time they visit his dental office. When the holidays arrive, many individuals come in asking for help, specifically as it pertains to navigating which holiday meals are safest for their smile. If you, too, want to know how you can better protect your pearly whites this season, visit our website or call (909) 795-6019 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott.