Super Bowl LI is just days away on Sunday, February 5th. Tasty snacks are such a game day tradition that it just wouldn’t feel right to watch the kickoff without a plate or bowl of something in your lap. If you don’t want your Super Bowl snacks to sabotage your oral health, try whipping up some of these healthy, tooth-friendly treats to share with friends.
Apple and Almond Bites
The crunchy texture of apples helps “scrub” plaque and sticky food residues off your teeth. Plus, almonds are high in vitamin E, which is important for healthy gums. To make apple and almond bites, place thin slices of apple on top of graham cracker squares. Drizzle each apple slice with a little almond butter.
Three Cheese Dip With Veggies
Dips are a popular choice on game day. It’s packed with calcium-rich cheese, and you can enjoy it on healthy veggies like carrots and broccoli. You’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soften the cream cheese in the microwave, and then place it in a large bowl. Stir in the other cheeses, mayonnaise, and garlic. Spread the mixture into a shallow casserole dish, and bake at 325 °F for 20 minutes before serving.
Layered Mexican Dip
In this tasty dip, the acidity on the tomatoes is balanced out by Greek yogurt, so you don’t have to worry about it damaging your teeth. The veggies are also high in vitamin C, which helps protect your teeth and gums. For one batch, you’ll need:
- 2 cans diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked, crumbled, and cooled
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
Spread the ingredients into a shallow pan in the order listed. Serve with tortilla chips or celery.
Classic Cheese Tray
If you need something quick, prepare a tray with various sliced cheeses and sausages, which are high in calcium and protein. Stay away from crackers as the starches they contain can turn into sugar on your teeth. Pepper jack, gouda, and havarti are sure to be the hit of the party!
In addition to choosing tooth friendly snacks, make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly once the game is over! If it’s been 6 months since your last teeth cleaning make sure to schedule your regular dental checkup, too!
