3 Winter Warmer Recipes That Are Good For Your Teeth

Winter is here - and as the temperatures start to drop, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the colder season. From increased sensitivity to a higher risk of developing cold sores, winter isn’t always the best time of year for your mouth.

With this in mind, we’ve put together three tooth-friendly recipes that will keep you warm while providing benefits for your teeth. Give them a try and satisfy your seasonal cravings without harming your teeth!

Warming Pumpkin Soup

What could be better than a steaming bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day? This delicious pumpkin soup is packed with healthy vitamins that are good for your teeth, gums and bones - plus, the natural sweetness of the pumpkin means there’s no need for added sugar.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 5 whole black peppercorns
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• Sprigs of fresh parsley, to serve

Method:

1. Heat stock in a pan over medium heat. Add salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic and peppercorns.
2. Once the stock reaches a boil, lower the heat and simmer without a lid for 30 minutes.
3. Pour the stock mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth (you may have to do this in batches).
4. Once everything is blended, return mixture to pan and simmer for a further 30 minutes.
5. Stir in cream and add parsley before serving.

Hearty Banana Nut Muffins

Perfect for dessert, a snack or even breakfast on the go, these tasty muffins are sure to hit the spot. The best part? They’re low in sugar, gluten-free, and contain vitamin-rich nuts and fruits that are great for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 medium apple, grated
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Meanwhile, prepare a muffin tray with liners (or lightly grease tray).
2. Use a food processor to grind ½ cup of the oats into flour, then mix in a bowl with baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and the remaining (unground) oats.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs and honey.
4. Combine dry and wet mixtures, then mix in grated apples and chopped walnuts.
5. Pour mixture into muffin liners and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Seriously Satisfying Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate

While a mug of hot chocolate is a great winter warmer, the high amount of sugar in most hot chocolates means this beverage isn’t the best choice for your teeth. By opting for this scrumptious sugar-free version, you can stay cosy while keeping your teeth and gums in perfect health.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1–2 packets sweetener of your choice, e.g. Stevia
• Dash of salt
• 1 cup skim milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Method:

1. Mix cocoa powder, sweetener and salt in a mug
2. Heat milk over gentle heat on the stovetop, taking care not to let it boil.
3. Once milk is hot, slowly add it to the cocoa mixture while stirring.
4. Add vanilla and peppermint extract, stir and enjoy!

Need to make an appointment to see your National Dental Care or DB Dental dentist? You can book online today and keep your teeth happy and healthy this winter.