3 RECIPES FOR DIET AND DENTAL HEALTH

Green smoothie Your teeth are some of the most important parts of your body. That being said, your overall health is incredibly important as well. For some, it may seem like a struggle to eat healthy and finding recipes that are also great for diet and dental health may be next to impossible. There are some recipes however that can make a huge difference and that can help you feel better and have healthier teeth all around.

HOW FOOD INFLUENCES DENTAL HEALTH

As you might imagine, the food that you eat has a great deal of impact on your overall health as well as your dental health. The foods that you eat often contain things like acids that can break down tooth enamel, dyes that can stain teeth, calcium that can build teeth up, and so on. Being aware of how your foods are impacting your overall dental health can help you make better choices for your body and for your teeth.

RECIPES FOR DIET AND DENTAL HEALTH

• GREEN VANILLA MINT SMOOTHIE:

This is a wonderful smoothie for those that want something that is light and easy to make. This would be a perfect go to breakfast smoothie or even an afternoon snack if you are looking for something sweet and refreshing. The bananas are low in acid and add sweetness. The coconut milk has calcium that helps to build bones and strengthen teeth as well as adding sweetness and thickness to the mixture. Spinach is high in vitamin A which is used by the body to create tooth enamel and the fibrous texture works as a natural toothbrush as well. The hint of mint may be just what you need to freshen up your breath naturally and stimulate blood flow to the gums which makes for healthier teeth as well.
Ingredients:

• 1 ½ frozen bananas
• ¾ cup canned coconut milk
• 1 ½ cup fresh spinach
• 10-15 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:Blend ingredients in blender until smooth, you can add ice if you want an ice cream like treat.

• EGGPLANT PIZZA:

Eggplant is a fantastic alternative to starchy pizza dough that can pack on the pounds and may be adding unwanted sugar into your diet. Eggplant is rich in anthocyanins, a compound that may help prevent colonization and attachment of pathogens to your teeth. Eggplant is also a natural fiber and acts as a toothbrush of sorts that can help remove build up from teeth. Cheese is great for teeth as it is rich in calcium and can help to stimulate bone growth and bone health. Olive oil is also considered a natural palette cleanser and may be able to help remove unwanted bacteria from the mouth.
Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 lb Roma tomatoes
• 2 cups grated cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano
• Basil
• Olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic

Directions: Grease your baking pan with olive oil and preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut eggplant into circles that are about one half an inch thick and place them on the baking tray. Salt and pepper your steaks to taste. Cut up tomatoes and place them on the eggplants. Put garlic cloves through a garlic press and add a bit to each round. Add salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to each round to taste. Add cheese over top of the rounds. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown.

• ALMOND COOKIES WITH XYLITOL SWEETENER

Sugar is by far one of the worst things you can eat for both your overall diet and for the health of your teeth. Adding substitutes like xylitol instead can cut sugar and can make for much healthier teeth overall. Coconut oil is great for oral health and can help remove bacteria and other nasty build up. Almonds are high in calcium which helps to build and strengthen bone. Baking soda may help to whiten teeth and eggs are high in protein which can help aid in overall mouth health.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut oil
• 1½ cups xylitol
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• A handful of whole almonds

Directions:Cream together coconut oil and xylitol. Add eggs and then make sure the mixture is a light, airy yellow before adding more ingredients. Mix in maple, vanilla, and almond extract. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl then slowly add it to the wet ingredients. Drop teaspoon sized drops about two inches apart on an ungreased baking tray. Press one almond into the center of each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. These are all great recipes that can help you lose weight and get healthier teeth. These all contain ingredients that are great for teeth and that are perfect for those that want teeth that are going to be strong and beautiful.