Proper nutrition is crucial to the whole body not excluding dental health. The body gets necessary nutrients from the food you take, promoting wellness. Poor nutrition means the body becomes deficient resulting to limited or loss of the ability to resist diseases and infections. Periodontal diseases are not caused by poor nutrition, but they progress more rapidly and cause severe consequences in people who do not have proper nutrition.

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It’s February, and rose stands are popping up in mall parking lots across the country. At the grocery store, Christmas candy and New Years Eve memorabilia have been packed away. Taking it’s place; red and pink merchandise and heart shaped boxes of chocolate. Valentine’s Day is next on the list of festive holidays, and every year America braces for the next big candy craze. Now obviously, our indulgence on Valentine’s Day offers potential dental problems for the future. However, sweet treats are a part of the holiday, and the dental community knows this. While a dentist’s idea of sweet treats may be a little outside of status quo, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy these low sugar Valentine’s Day treats. Here is a list of dentist approved Valentine’s Day treats to keep the holiday spirit festive, all while keeping your dental health in check.

Berry’s and Dark Chocolate

Not only are they colorful, but berries are delicious and beneficial for your overall health. Yep, including your teeth! They can be organized into festive plate platters, or served in themed cupcake liners. If you still want your fix of chocolate, melt down high cocoa dark chocolate to dip your berries into. Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate and contains many benefits for your heart and brain.

Bruschetta, cheese, and crackers

Another clever and delicious way to keep your mouth healthy this Valentine’s Day is to skip the sweets altogether. Cheese can be cut into festive heart shapes, and crackers or french bread can be organized into a decorative platter. To make Bruschetta, simply chop fresh cherry tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, and basil together and douce with extra virgin olive oil and squeezed lemon. The content of sugar is low for this platter, and the calcium from cheese benefits your teeth’s health.

Decorative banana and strawberry smoothies

Still have a sweet tooth? Make a delicious smoothie using strawberries and bananas. To add a creamy texture, mix in nonfat Greek yogurt, or some almond milk. Yogurt is a great option because it adds protein which is essential for the body’s future development. Once you are finished blending, dress it up with whole chopped berries on the top, finely grated dark chocolate, and red and pink sprinkles for flare. A smoothy is the perfect option for those with a mean sweet tooth.

Whether you are very wary of your tooth health, or not too concerned, these options offer you a substitute from the sugar packed candies that are so often associated with Valentine’s Day. By decreasing your sugar intake, along with brushing your teeth regularly, your chances of developing a cavity or multiple cavities becomes less likely.