Everybody remembers the food at a party. And if the story behind the menu is as good as what’s on it, it’ll be remembered for years. So here’s an idea for you: put out some tooth-friendly holiday foods. And no, it doesn’t have to be boring and bland. A few choices here and there will make all the difference.
Dark Chocolate – Tooth-Friendly Holiday Foods
Yes, milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier, but that combination contributes to tooth decay. On the flip side, dark chocolate is actually good for your teeth.
- It’s a good source of polyphenols — natural chemicals that limit oral bacteria and prevent bad breath.
- It contains a flavonoid compound called epicatechin that slows tooth decay.
- The molecules in the Tannins (what gives dark chocolate its’ slightly bitter taste) bind to bacteria before plaque has time to form.
- Dark chocolate can contain up to four times the antioxidants found in green tea; in saliva, antioxidants have been shown to fight periodontal disease.
Apple platters – Tooth-Friendly Holiday Foods
Instead of candy apples that coat your teeth with sugar and stick to your molars, go with a platter of sliced apples and something to dip them in like honey or maple syrup. Sure, the dip’s not exactly awesome for your oral health, but the texture of the apples scrub away plaque.
Brie cheese – Tooth-Friendly Holiday Foods
Yup, you read that right. We’re all over brie cheese from an oral health standpoint because it’s packed with calcium that works wonders for restoring tooth enamel. If you can forego the scrumptious sticky syrup and serve it either plain or melted on wheat thins, you’ll really be doing right by your guests’ mouths — but we understand if you feel like stepping it up. Other cheeses we’d approve include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Camembert, Gorgonzola and Roquefort.
Red wine
Ok, red wine’s not fantastic for your teeth, and it tends to stain after a long party. But it’s less acidic than white wine, which is better for your overall oral health. We recommend a red on the dryer side, as it’s marginally less acidic than the fuller wines.
Happy holidays from all of us at Yonge Eglinton Dental.
