There may be a lot of uncertainty in today’s world, but there’s still an opportunity for some control over our diets. Maintaining healthy eating habits is one of the best things we can do for ourselves during this time. We want to share a few delicious recipes to boost oral health and keep you in good shape.
Keep Oral Hygiene In Mind
Now is the perfect time to get in the kitchen with the kids and experiment with those recipes you’ve been putting off.
Meal planning may take a little more creativity these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make something delicious. Just be sure to include foods that protect your teeth and gums and use ingredients that give your immune system a boost.
Get Creative
Creativity is key when it comes to cooking in quarantine. Need a little help? Try these tips.
- Make Easy-to-Freeze Meals
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- One-pot meals are perfect for making the most of the ingredients you have hanging out in the fridge. Plus, they’re great candidates for freezing and serving later. Padma Lakshmi’s Italian Vegetable Soup is a great example, and it’s loaded with plenty of vegetables that help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Consider Plant Protein
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- If meat is hard to come by in your area, focus on beans for protein. Canned or dried beans make delicious bean salads or rice and bean burritos. Just add a mix of your favorite vegetables and spices and you’re good to go!
- Play Around with Pasta
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- Enlist the help of the kiddos to help make pasta with noodles in fun shapes and sizes to mix things up a bit. You can even make your own pasta sauce from fresh or canned tomatoes. Don’t forget to add a few tooth-friendly roasted vegetables like broccoli and carrots for variety and color.
Make Smart Snack Decisions
When you’re stuck at home, the snack struggle is real. We get it, but it’s important to choose your snacks carefully. Some snacks are better for your teeth than others and can satisfy your sweet and salty cravings just as easily as those not-so-great alternatives.
- Apples and fresh vegetables (especially carrots!) provide a sweet satisfying crunch, but also help your teeth and gums.
- Yogurt contains good bacteria that can help fight the buildup of bad bacteria (just try to choose yogurt without added sugars).
- Cheese cubes, especially cheddar cheese, could be a healthy afternoon snack to help balance the pH levels in your mouth.
Remember Jefferson Dental is Here in Case of Emergencies
Taking care of your teeth is crucial, especially since regular dental check-ups aren’t an option at the moment. Eating healthy, tooth-friendly foods, and practicing good oral care is a must.
In any case, accidents may still happen. If they do, the team at Jefferson Dental and Orthodontics is available to treat dental emergencies. If you, or a loved one, is dealing with an emergency, contact one of our open offices to make an appointment.