The holiday season is a time for friends and families to gather for celebrations and good times. If you’re having guests over to celebrate the holidays, you’ll probably want to make sure your party is enjoyable for everyone. However, if you’re concerned about dental health, you might be worried about your guests not having tooth-healthy options at the hors d’oeuvres table. Here are a few appetizer suggestions that will please your guests without harming their teeth.
Your Dentist’s On-Board with Veggie Trays and Charcuterie Boards
Teeth-healthy doesn’t mean tasteless. Providing your guests with trays of fresh veggies, grapes, meats, and cheeses can make your party a tasty affair. Fibrous, snappy veggies like celery and carrots are full of important nutrients and can also help clean plaque from your teeth as you chew them. While grapes are a sweet treat, they also have a naturally high level of fluoride. Meats and cheeses can provide your body with the protein and calcium it needs to maintain strong and healthy teeth. All-in-all, all of these make for a great holiday appetizer.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks Are a Top Pick
Mozzarella sticks are a tried and proven crowd-pleaser of an appetizer, but these fried cheese rolls are full of saturated fats that can be hard on your teeth. Thankfully, you can find plenty of recipes for baked versions of this classic hors d’oeuvre on the Internet. Baked cheese sticks will provide your guests with a savory, cheesy treat that will have them wanting more.
Need a Tip? Use Hummus as a Dip
Hummus is a delicious and nutritious condiment that goes great with things like fresh veggies, pita bread, and finger sandwiches. This hearty, satisfying food is rich in protein and free of saturated fats or cholesterol. Hummus comes in a variety of flavors such as onion, garlic, and spicy, providing a wonderfully earthy kick to celery, carrots, and bell pepper slices. This favorite will please your guests while keeping their teeth out of harm’s way.
Proper oral care is still crucial during the holiday season. By making sure your guests have a few teeth-healthy appetizer options at your next holiday gathering, you can help make sure everyone’s smiles are ready for a beautiful new year.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Smith earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta and has pursued additional dental training every year ever since. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. His office in Wilton Manors, FL offers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information on celebrating the holidays the teeth-healthy way, contact the office online or dial (954) 564-7121.