The great feast is near! Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather in the kitchen, cook all day, and eat themselves into a food-induced daze. It’s a time of great tradition around America, that revolves around football and food. In the spirit of the season, we’ve decided to share some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes that will make your mouth water and your teeth happy!
Glazed Carrots
Carrots are full of fiber and vitamin B, which helps promote healthy salivary flow. Saliva naturally cleans teeth by washing away harmful acids that can erode enamel. It also kills bad bacteria, and promotes remineralization – a process which helps embolden tooth enamel. All of this makes carrots a great option for a healthy mouth!
Ingredients:
5 medium carrots, peeled
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Cut each carrot into four pieces lengthwise, depending on the width of the carrots. This should create spears that have at least one flat side.
Add the oil to a cast-iron skillet and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place the carrots in the oil cut-sides down and cook without turning until tender, about 6 minutes. The cut sides will be very, very dark. Some may even call it burnt. Don't worry, it'll taste great!
Add the honey, cayenne, and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and stir up all the carrots. Cook, stirring constantly, until most of the water has evaporated and the carrots are coated. Season with salt and pepper, and serve on your favorite platter!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy green vegetable that boost oral health in a number of ways. They’re packed with fiber, which scrubs teeth clean of harmful food debris. Brussels sprouts also contain vitamin B, which helps prevent tooth loss and prevent gum disease.
Try this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe a tooth-healthy Thanksgiving green!
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 shallots, thinly sliced
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 lemon, juiced
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Heat oil over medium heat in a roasting pan or large skillet. Add the shallots to the pan and cook until soft. Add the Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until the vegetables are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the vegetables from the oven and stir in the butter and lemon juice. Transfer to a platter and serve.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a dental super food that are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals that promote good oral health. They contain vitamin C, which promotes gum health and works to prevent gingivitis. They also contain vitamin D, which helps to decrease bone and tooth loss. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin B, which promotes saliva production. All of these benefits make sweet potatoes a great mouth-healthy addition to your Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients:
4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Lay the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a roasting tray. Drizzle the oil, honey, cinnamon, salt and pepper over the potatoes. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes in oven or until tender. Take sweet potatoes out of the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with more extra-virgin olive oil.
Happy Thanksgiving
We hope that you enjoy some of the recipes above, and that you and your family have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Remember to brush after your done eating, and not to overindulge on sweet food this holiday season. From our office, to your family, happy Thanksgiving!
