5 Yummy Tooth-Healthy Treats for Fourth of July
Enjoy tooth-healthy treats that are delicious and good for your smile.
Temperatures have started soaring and the days are getting longer. Summer is right around the corner, which means that it’s almost time to fire up the backyard barbecue again! Between the fireworks and the feasts, the Fourth of July is one of the most fun holidays to enjoy this season. At the same time, it can also be one of the most indulgent! As you plan your festivities, don’t forget to add a few tooth-healthy treats to the menu.
Today, we’re sharing 5 treats that are not only yummy but are also great for your smile. With these simple swaps, you can kick back and enjoy, confident that you’re treating your teeth, gums, and taste buds!
1. Dill Cucumber Bites
When you’re craving a crunchy side, it can be tempting to reach for the family-sized bag of potato chips! While these nibblers can be fine in moderation, there are many healthy treats that also satisfy this craving. Enter, these delectably fresh Dill Cucumber Bites.
To make them, simply slice four English cucumbers into half-inch rounds, leaving as much skin on as you like. Then, slice one pint of cherry tomatoes in half and set your veggies aside.
In a small bowl, combine one 8-ounce block of room-temperature cream cheese with one small container of Greek yogurt (about 5.3 ounces). Mix in three teaspoons of minced, fresh dill, along with one teaspoon of powdered Ranch dressing mix. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag, or a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
Top each cucumber round with a little dollop of the cream cheese mixture, and top with a cherry tomato half. Voila! A snack that’s tasty and healthy, with that satisfying crunch you want! Dairy products like cream cheese and Greek yogurt are great for your teeth, and the high-fiber cucumbers actually act as little scrubbers!
2. Patriotic Fruit Kabobs
Fruits are naturally sweet, which makes them an excellent healthy substitute for sugary summer treats. Looking for a way to incorporate them this July 4th? Add a platter of patriotic fruit kabobs to your dessert table!
Many recipes for this dish call for sticky marshmallows, but to keep it healthy and approved by your kids’ dentist, just replace those with bananas! To make the “flag,” start by adding about six blueberries to a skewer. Then, alternate between slices of strawberries and bananas until you reach the other end.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can arrange an even number of skewers on your platter. The first half will incorporate the blueberries on top, while the last half will only include strawberries and bananas. The result is a delicious, edible American flag!
3. Parmesan Chips With Guacamole
It would hardly be a party without guacamole! You might be surprised to know that our pediatric dentistry actually approves of this healthy treat! Avocados are chocked-full of potassium, which can help strengthen your teeth and lower your risk of tooth decay.
Blend a few ripe ones up with a little salt, lime, minced onion, and chopped tomatoes. In lieu of tortilla chips, try making your own parmesan crisps instead!
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and sprinkle shredded parmesan into small piles. Top each pile with a little pepper, and your favorite savory dried herbs. Bake them at 350 degrees for about five minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns slightly brown and bubbly!
To make these “chips” even healthier, add shredded zucchini and carrots! You can find the full recipe on our Healthy Recipes page.
4. Cheeseburger Sliders
You might think a dentist for kids would only recommend raw veggies as healthy treats for Fourth of July! However, we’re happy to report that you can still have your beloved cheeseburgers on this fun family holiday.
Cheese is low in sugar, and it’s also an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus. These two minerals keep your teeth healthy and strong. Research also suggests that eating more dairy could help you ward off gum disease!
Try making your patties smaller and making them into mini sliders for a fun party treat. Pick buns without sesame seeds or poppy seeds to help prevent food from getting stuck in your guests’ teeth.
5. Berry-Infused Water
Holiday get-togethers often include coolers full of sugary sodas and sports drinks. While these might be fun to sip, they’re also full of sugar. Consuming them in large quantities can cause bacteria to build up on your teeth and gums, which could lead to tooth decay.
Want a refreshing alternative? Fill a tall pitcher with water, and infuse it with your favorite seedless berries! Watermelon and strawberries are two yummy options, but you can also try apples, raspberries, pineapples, and more! This list of 25 recipes is a great place to start!
More Tips For a Tooth-Healthy Fourth
The 5 healthy treats above are a great addition to any July 4th party! As a trusted dentistry for children, we’d be remiss if we didn’t add a few extra tips to help keep your teeth healthy this season. Some of the other ways you can help your guests take great care of their teeth include:
- Skip the toothpicks, which can leave tiny punctures in gums and encourage bacterial buildup. Instead, leave dental picks or wooden plaque removers in the bathroom or on a table nearby.
- Serve ice crushed, not cubed (which can damage teeth if you try and chew it), or chill drinks in a cooler and skip the ice altogether.
- Swap the bowl of after-dinner mints and offer guests sugar-free gum instead!
- Serve seedless fruits and vegetables wherever possible to avoid those pesky seeds wedging between teeth.
Throughout the summer, don’t forget to stay on top of your family’s routine dental appointments. If you’ve been searching online for “kids dentist near me,” we’d love to talk to you about the services we offer!
Your Dental Home for the Holidays and Beyond
As you gear up to enjoy a great summer, we’re here to keep the littlest smiles in your family as bright and healthy as possible.
For more tooth-healthy tips, sign up here. If you don’t already have a pediatric dentist for your kids, consider us! Our dentists and staff members are passionate about creating a fun, friendly environment that helps your children thrive. Booking an appointment is easy. We can’t wait to see your smile.