As you do your Thanksgiving shopping, your child may be excited about their seasonal favorites. Stuffing and mashed potatoes are some that many kids will eat plenty of, but they will likely want to save room for dessert! It’s a sweet, tasty way to end the savory meal, but certain holiday staples can lead to cavities. Here are three you can make instead that aren’t as bad for growing smiles.
Rice Pudding
While you may enjoy some pie topped with ice cream, your child may just opt for the latter. It’s a cold treat, but it’s full of sugar. A great alternative to it is rice pudding. It often has less sugar and calories!
This will help reduce the risk of dental decay in your loved one. You can buy it at the store, but you may want to make it yourself instead. That way, you can control how much sweetener you put in it or substitute it for other options, such as cinnamon.
Apple Crisps
A favorite holiday comfort food for many is a good ol’ apple crisp. It’s often made with ingredients that are relatively friendly for your teeth and gums. There are many recipes and variations out there, so you can find one that limits how much sugar is added and relies on the natural sweetness of the tasty fruit.
Once it’s all done and gets your kitchen smelling festive, then you can even put maple syrup or walnuts over it. These can help add an extra boost of flavor or texture, just be sure that your child doesn’t pour too much of the former!
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Plenty of kids love chocolate, so you may want to have at least one dessert that has it. A great way to choose is to make it into a mousse with some avocados. It may seem like an odd combination, but it’ll result in a creamier dish. Better yet, avocados are full of nutrients and vitamins that can help promote oral health and reduce inflammation.
Many recipes out there use dark chocolate, unsweetened dark cocoa powder, and coconut whipped cream to give it a flavor that your loved ones will want to dig into. Better yet, to make it sweeter, you can simply use honey. You can put less of it and chop up berries, cherries, or peaches, and use those natural sugars to make a healthier dessert. Adjust it to your family’s liking, and you’ll have a treat that you can enjoy more guilt-free.
There are many more smile-friendly desserts you can experiment with this Thanksgiving. Try out one of them and keep your child’s growing smile the best it can be.
About the Author
Dr. Meghan Thorburn earned her dental degree from UT Houston. With over 10 years of experience, she is happy to help tiny teeth in the Fort Worth community stay strong. By making oral healthcare fun with friendly attitudes, Dr. Thorburn can help your child develop good brushing habits and avoid dental problems like cavities. If you’re looking for a way to protect your loved one’s grin from sweets this holiday season, schedule an appointment or call her office at (682) 327-1133.