Teeth Friendly Holiday Treats

The holiday season is officially here and that means all kinds of tasty cookies, candy and more. Unfortunately, most of those treats are full of sugar and aren’t great for your oral health. If you’re looking for better options this year, here are some ideas for teeth friendly holiday treats.

Grinchy grapes

A cute idea for parties, Grinchy grapes (also known as Grinch Poppers) are made by first slicing off the stem-side of some strawberries. Next, slice a banana into coins and skewer a sliced strawberry (cut-side down) and banana coin through a green grape. This treat resembles the Grinch cartoon character when he’s wearing a santa hat. For the puff on the very top of the strawberry, add another small bit of banana or mini marshmallow. Grapes contain a fair amount of sugar, but they’re still a much better alternative to most holiday treats. A study also revealed that a natural compound in grapes could actually help strengthen teeth!

Fresh pears

Pears are in season during the winter and they are a delicious alternative to candy and other treats. While still high in natural sugar, they have other qualities to offset that like fiber and nutrients. Because pears are more fibrous, they actually stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth which works to neutralize enamel-damaging acid. Serve sliced pears plain or in fruit salad. They are a great addition to a cheese board since they also come in some beautiful colors!

Spiced nuts

Nuts contain lots of nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and potassium, all of which have been shown to help protect oral health. Eating nuts also stimulates saliva production. For a holiday spin, make spiced nuts with an alternative sweetener like liquid stevia. Be generous with spices like salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. When eating nuts, never try to crack a shell with your teeth or you’ll end up needing emergency dental services!

Dark chocolate bark

If you love traditional holiday treats and the healthy alternatives just aren’t cutting it, consider indulging in a high-quality dark chocolate. Unlike other types of chocolate, 70%+ dark chocolate has more antioxidants and less sugar. You can use dark chocolate to make party-ready holiday bark with nuts, seeds, pretzels and spices.

Time for a cleaning? Contact us today!

As you think about teeth friendly holiday treats and your oral health, maybe it’s time for a checkup! Scenic Bluffs Dental offers a full range of dental services such as preventive, restorative, and cosmetic. Give yourself the gift of an upgraded smile. We even offer a sedation option for those dealing with anxiety about the dentist. Dr. Jay and the team want to make sure you feel totally comfortable when you come in.