Annual holiday parties are great opportunities for colleagues, friends, or family to come together and enjoy each other’s company. If you are planning one in the next few weeks, you may want to consider which hors d’oeuvres will be well-received and smile-friendly. After all, you don’t want to send someone to the emergency dentist’s office! Keep reading to discover why these 3 dishes are ones you’ll want to serve at your next party.
Dentist-Approved Snacks For Your Guests
There are countless dishes you can serve to your guests this holiday season, but if you want to keep their teeth intact and free of harmful cavities, consider these three when building your menu:
Hummus
Full of protein and folic acid, hummus is an ideal dip to add to your table. Not only does it pair well with raw carrots, celery, and pita bread, but it also contains:
- Chickpeas that are packed with protein
- Olive oil that helps reduce inflammation
- Tahini that helps build strong bones because it’s full of calcium
- Garlic, which has antimicrobials that fight off bad bacteria in your mouth
Caprese Pops
Quick and easy to make, caprese pops are sure to be a hit at your party. They consist of a small cherry tomato that is sliced in half. You’ll need to scoop out the center so that you can stuff it with a tiny ball of mozzarella. You can then finish it off by drizzling olive oil over your pops and sprinkling basil and lemon zest.
They’re full of calcium (thanks to the mozzarella), so teeth will remain strong. The tomatoes bring essential vitamins and nutrients that can minimize oral inflammation and improve gum health.
Meat and Cheese Tray
One of the primary staples of any holiday table is a meat and cheese tray. No one can resist the combination of these two. By incorporating a variety of options, you’ll soon find it empty, and your guests will be fully satisfied.
Cheese is great for snacking, as it contains calcium. Meats, like summer sausage, prosciutto, and salami, contain protein and vitamins (i.e., B12, zinc, iron) to improve immune function.
While there are plenty of recipes that will win over your guests and safeguard their smiles, these three are a great way to keep your friends happy and healthy this holiday season.
About the Author
Dr. Feryal Alidadi’s 30+ years of experience in dentistry have allowed her to restore and transform her patients’ smiles using the latest technology and updated techniques. When identifying the most essential aspect of oral healthcare, she always chooses preventive treatment. She recognizes the power regular visits can have on a person’s smile, which is why she is always ready to provide helpful tips to make at-home habits easier and more enjoyable. She is also available to discuss ways to navigate the holidays so that injuries or infections don’t occur. If you want to avoid a dental emergency this season, contact us via our website or call (914) 289-0672.
