Holiday Crudité: Four Tooth-Friendly Appetizers for Your Feasts

So, there you are, gathered around the table with your family. The candles are making a warm glow, and the food smells great. What could make this scene even better? How about some dentist-approved holiday hors d’oeuvres to whet your loved one’s appetites?

If you want four sure-fire ideas for recipes that are both tooth-friendly and delicious, continue reading. Many of these dishes, or ones like them, can be found on cooking sites all across the web.

1. Holiday Hummus

Soft, creamy, and easy on the tongue. Hummus is a great starter dish that can be done up in many ways to fit your tastes. All you need to do is put all the ingredients together in a large bowl or food processor and mush it all up. You can serve it with carrots and celery to serve as natural toothbrushes while you enjoy your meal.

2. Festive Quesadillas

This traditional Mexican delight can be adapted to many different flavors. Its versatility makes it one of the best appetizers for any occasion. Not only does it typically use very soft ingredients, but it’s mostly made with cheese. This dairy delight contains healthy bacteria and vital minerals like calcium for tooth health.

A good holiday-themed recipe might also use apples, which are natural tooth-cleansers full of vitamin A which helps develop stronger, healthier teeth. Putting the two together in one toasted tortilla is a match made in heaven.

3. Egg-cellent Snowmen

Eggs are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Vitamin D in particular aids your body in absorbing calcium to stay strong and cavity-free. The idea of this appetizer is to stack hard-boiled eggs into smiling snowmen and top them with carrot top hats. This will give you a nutritional snack that also scrubs your teeth as you chew.

4. Grinch Grapes

Fresh fruit is always a hit as both an appetizer and a sweet treat. While fruit does have fructose, which is a sugar that can cause cavities, it isn’t as processed as white sugar. Fruit also contains tons of vitamins and minerals you need for strong teeth. Grapes and strawberries, for example, contain antioxidants that help your immune system fight off bad bacteria in your mouth. This can, in turn, protect it from gum disease.

For Grinch grapes, cut the top off a grape so it’s flat. Then top the grape with a thin slice of banana and a bit of strawberry for a Santa hat!

These holiday hors d’oeuvres are sure to get your family smiling. Between their nutritious ingredients and their great taste, you’ve got a recipe for laughter and conversation during your festive feasting. Visit your dentist once the holidays are over to check your teeth. They may be pleasantly surprised at your results!

About the Author

Dr. LJ Adam has been changing lives through dentistry for over 15 years. In that time, he has formed strong relationships with his patients and encouraged their smile goals. Dr. Adam earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has continued to expand his knowledge to better serve his patients through training and dedication to his craft. To schedule an appointment at Adam Associates Family Dental, call (724) 297-3446 or visit the website to discover the services they provide.