Do you ever look at lists of dentist-approved foods and wonder how anyone sticks to that kind of diet? Most of us think eating tooth-friendly foods means sticking to carrot sticks and broccoli but the truth is, food can be just as delicious as it is healthy.
Finding soft food recipes that are safe for your family’s teeth can be tricky. Read on to discover some great options that your family and your dentist will both love to have around.
1. Cucumber Bites
Whether you’re fixing an appetizer for a party or a snack for the kids after school, cucumber bites are a great way to go. Peel and slice your cucumbers into rounds and then mix together a block of cream cheese, a small container of plain Greek yogurt, powdered ranch dressing mix, and some dill. Dollop some of the cream cheese mix on the cucumber slices and top each with a quarter of a cherry tomato.
2. Smoked Salmon Rolls
Smoked salmon rolls are another excellent tooth-friendly use of cucumbers. Mix together smoked salmon, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder, and dill and then use a veggie peeler to slice off thin strips of cucumber. Spread your salmon mixture on each cucumber slice and roll them up for a simple, delicious snack.
3. Caprese Pops
Caprese pops are an adorable party food and a fun snack for you and the family. Cut a cherry tomato in half, scoop out the seeds and inside, and slide it cut-side up onto a wooden skewer. Slide a mozzarella pearl onto the skewer and top the whole thing with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and basil.
4. Parmesan Crisps
Parmesan crisps are perfect for those days when you want chips that won’t endanger your teeth or your health. Sprinkle shredded parmesan in a pile on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and top it with pepper and some dried herbs. Bake them for about five minutes until the cheese melts together and turns golden and bubbly.
5. Curry Popcorn
Popcorn is a great tooth-friendly snack since it’s not sticky or loaded down with sugar. But adding some curry powder to it can help take your favorite snack to the next level. Make sure you use some unsalted butter to help the curry powder stick to the popcorn.
6. Low-Fat Cheeseburger
You might be surprised to learn that cheeseburgers can be a great option for keeping healthy teeth. Use multi-grain rolls and low-fat cheese to keep your burgers on the healthy side. Top them with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion for some extra-delicious crunch.
7. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is good for the soul and the teeth. Use lots of fresh veggies and some egg noodles to add texture to the dish. Everyone has their own favorite recipe, but if you don’t have yours yet, you can start with this one.
8. That Good Salad
You won’t be surprised to learn that salad is one of the best options for both your health and your teeth. But salads don’t have to be boring and tasteless. Make a dressing with canola oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, and add tomatoes, Swiss cheese, almonds, Parmesan, bacon, and croutons to your greens mix.
9. Veggie and Beef Kebabs
Kebabs are a delicious option for nights when you want to grill out in the back yard. Chop up some zucchini, mushrooms, squash, onion, and sirloin steak and slide them onto skewers. Season them with chili powder and cumin and grill them for a fun tooth-friendly dinner.
10. Lasagna
Lasagna has a lot of cheese in it, which contains the protein your kids’ teeth need to grow strong. It’s better to make lasagna at home than to eat one of the frozen store-bought ones. A no-boil lasagna recipe can make this dish a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option.
11. Chocolates
You might be surprised to learn that chocolate is actually one of the best dessert options for healthy teeth. Remember to stay away from caramels and toffees since they can stick to your teeth and pull on fillings and prosthetics. And the darker the chocolate, the better it is for you and your teeth.
12. Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is a lovely option for when you want a dessert that’s a little more involved. Its light, fluffy texture and lack of icing make it a great option for satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthy way. Top it with some sliced strawberries to add a pop of fresh flavor and texture.
13. Chocolate Strawberries
On the subject of strawberries, chocolate strawberries can be another delicious option. Go for dark chocolate and try to get fresh strawberries to make them at home yourself. You can also go for other chocolate-dipped fruit; bananas and pineapples are a delicious option.
14. Fruit Ice Cream
If you’re craving ice cream, why not go for the fresher option and make some fruit ice cream? Blend up your favorite fruit with a dollop of honey and spread it in a bread pan. Freeze it, and a few hours later, you’ll have a delicious sorbet that’s great for your teeth.
15. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Chocolate peanut butter fudge can be a great tooth-friendly dessert option. Mix blended dates, cocoa butter, cocoa, honey, vanilla extract, and unsweetened peanut butter in a saucepan and let the mixture thicken. Pour it into a glass baking dish and let it cool until you’re ready to enjoy a piece.
Discover More Soft Food Recipes
Eating well and keeping healthy teeth at the same time can seem impossible. But with the right soft food recipes, you can keep your family’s teeth growing strong. Look for things made fresh, and try to avoid sticky or sugary foods.
If you’d like to take the next step to keep your teeth healthy, check out the rest of our site at Webster Family Dental. We are Webster Grove’s number one choice for family dentistry. Book an appointment and start smiling a little brighter today!