Every good holiday party needs some scrumptious appetizers for guests to nibble on, but maybe you’re too burnt out on Halloween sugar to serve the classics. That’s fair, especially since too much sugar can lead to cavities!
Fortunately, there are more tooth-friendly holiday snacks out there than you might think – it just takes some out-of-the-box thinking. If you’d like some ideas for tasty treats that’ll keep you and your friends smiling, keep reading.
Reindeer Cheese Bites
As in cheese that’s cut to look like a reindeer, not cheese made from reindeer! The calcium in dairy products like cheese encourages bone growth and strength, which is great for pearly whites that are ready to party.
To get the best reindeer shape, cut out a triangle from a thick type of cheese. Then simply give your reindeer two mini pretzels for antlers, two tiny slivers of olive for eyes, and a larger ball of red pepper for the shiny nose.
Green Tortellini Skewers
Why green tortellini, you ask? Because this skewer has one food item for each traditional Christmas color: green, red, and white. Choose a green tortellini stuffed with cheese for the best tooth-friendly combination, cherry tomatoes, and cubes of your favorite white-colored cheese.
As a note, it’s true that tomatoes are acidic, which can make your teeth easier to stain. They’re also a good source of vitamins A and C though, which can help protect your gums from gum disease. If you’re worried about your smile developing a yellow hue, you can opt for a slice of red bell pepper instead. It’s also high in vitamin C, and will still pair well with your tortellini and cheese cubes.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This appetizer might not be as festive as the other two, but it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that goes great with pita bread, soft pretzel bites, zucchini fries, and many other healthy sides.
With a bowl of spinach artichoke dip at the table, there will be plenty of calcium to go around for everyone’s smiles. Plus, both spinach and artichoke are fibrous greens. The science is a little strange, but fiber actually helps keep teeth clean and pristine by encouraging saliva production!
Have Happy, Tasty Holidays!
Serving appetizers that are better for your smile means one less gathering where you’re surrounded by tempting sweets. Considering Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s land almost right next to each other on the calendar, that can make a huge difference for your oral health. Feel free to adjust these recipes to better suit your taste buds, and have a happy, cavity-free holiday season!
About the Practice
At PeaksView Dental, we have four outstanding dentists on staff who are passionate about providing patients of all ages quality, attentive dental care. Whether you’d like a checkup and cleaning before the holidays or are worried about your oral health, our team will make sure your dental needs are taken care of! To contact our office, call 540-586-8106.
