Smile-Friendly Charcuterie Board Ideas
It’s time for summer so cheers to more picnics and outdoor gatherings. To celebrate the start of summer, we’ve come up with some healthy charcuterie board ideas you can use for your next get-together with friends and family. Traditional charcuterie boards usually include heavy, processed meats, sugary snacks, and other unhealthy options that can damage your teeth. At Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics, we want to make sure you choose the right foods for your smile. Read our latest blog to see our recommendations for creating a healthy and smile-friendly charcuterie board!
Snacks High in Protein
Start off strong by assembling your board with cheese and delicious lean meat options. Cheese lovers out there will be happy to hear that cheese is great for your teeth. They are rich in calcium and phosphate – essential minerals for strengthening your tooth enamel. Don’t just place one type of cheese on your board but include a variety like cheddar, mozzarella, swiss, and gouda which can all help neutralize the acids in your mouth. For meat options, we recommend using lean meats like ham, turkey, and chicken. They are not only low in fat but are great for your tooth enamel since they are rich in phosphate and protein. Prefer fish? Salmon is a tasty alternative and is high in omega-3 fatty acids which are good for reducing inflammation and promoting healthy gums.
Healthy Fruits and Veggies
Balance your board with different types of fruits and vegetables. Not sure which to choose? Select crunchy fruits like apples and pears since they help clean your teeth. These fruits increase saliva production, washing away food particles and bacteria from your teeth. Berries are another good option if you want extra production for your gums since they are full of antioxidants and vitamin C!
For vegetables, add crisp carrots, celery, and cucumber slices. Not only do they keep you hydrated from the heat but they act like a natural toothbrush! With each bite, you’re scrubbing away plaque and other food particles!
Finish with Nuts and Grains
Finish your board with nuts and crackers. Almonds and walnuts are rich in calcium and zinc – two minerals that help keep your teeth and gums healthy! There are so many crackers to choose from so we recommend selecting ones that consist of whole grains since they are rich in fiber and nutrients.
Drinks to Pair with Your Board
For the final touch, choose refreshing beverages to go with your mouth-watering board! Of course, water is the best option since it keeps you well-hydrated and rinses away food particles in your mouth. For a more exciting option, try an iced herbal tea. Did you know chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos teas are better for your teeth since they are less acidic and less likely to stain? White teas are another smile-friendly option since they contain fluoride and antioxidants which are great for fighting off bacteria and preventing cavities. If you would rather skip the tea, grab a pack of coconut water. It contains calcium, magnesium, and antibacterial properties that help reduce your risk of gum disease.
We hope these tips were useful for creating a charcuterie board that is not only tasty but will keep you smiling all summer long! At Bright Now! Dental, we love empowering our patients with daily knowledge and tips they can incorporate to maintain their beautiful smiles. Don’t forget to book routine check-ins with our amazing team so we can make sure your teeth are healthy!
