Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. While you may rejoice at the thought of indulging in chocolate and other sweet treats, dentists everywhere cringe at the prospect of increased sugar consumption. To help you make decisions that protect your smile, Dr. Ward and our team want to share this list of Valentine’s Day treats for your teeth.

Fruit

At Middletown Commons Family Dental, we like to say that fruit is nature’s candy. You’ll still get to enjoy a sweet treat, but this time your teeth will thank you. To really lean in to the Valentine’s Day theme, we recommend cutting up apple slices or strawberries to look like hearts. Consider making fruit parfaits which can be fancy, delicious and healthy.

Cheese

Who doesn’t love cheese? Not only is it delicious, it’s also full of tooth-fortifying calcium. Switch things up by serving cheese and crackers as a Valentine’s Day treat. Your teeth and your loved ones are sure to thank you!

Dark Chocolate

We know it would be unfair to totally eliminate chocolate during Valentine’s Day! If you do want to indulge, reach for the dark chocolate. Not only does it have a lower sugar content than milk chocolate, dark chocolate is also full of antioxidants that are good for your heart. Even better, some of the compounds in dark chocolate are known to limit oral bacteria and neutralize bad breath.

Green & Black Tea

If you want to sip something warm to commemorate the occasion, green and black teas are a great option. Coffee is notorious for staining teeth, but green and black tea contain the chemical polyphenol, which fights and kills oral bacteria.

Friendly Oral Care in Louisville, KY

We hope that this list of Valentine’s Day treats for your teeth gives you some ideas on how to enjoy the holiday while protecting your pearly whites. And remember that twice yearly professional dental hygiene appointments are essential to keep your smile healthy. To ask our Middletown Commons Family Dental team any questions about caring for your oral health or to schedule your next appointment, call our office today!