Nutrition - Delta Dental Insurance
Nutrition
Healthy eating is the foundation for a sparkling smile. Our articles and recipes will help you stay on top of your nutritional goals.
Nutrition
- Nutrition articles
- Recipes
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4 items to replace in your refrigerator and pantry Here are four shopping list staples and their healthier, dentist-approved counterparts to pack your pantry. -
5 tips for a smile friendly Thanksgiving Are you grateful for your healthy smile? This Thanksgiving, keep your teeth and gums healthy with smart food choices. -
7 vitamins and minerals your mouth needs The vitamins and minerals in your food can help your body maintain your healthy mouth. -
Chocolate and your teeth Is chocolate really that bad for your teeth? Here’s what you should know about this sweet treat. -
Coffee and donuts: Beware this quick fix Grabbing coffee and a donut for breakfast is a quick fix that can lead straight to dental decay. This sweet duo can cause major problems for your teeth. -
Diet, diabetes and tooth decay Having diabetes makes you susceptible to oral infections and gum disease. Learn how good nutrition can help you maintain great oral health. -
Eating cheese can help your teeth Cheese is a delicious treat, but did you know that it’s good for your mouth? Calcium and minerals in cheese help to strengthen your teeth. -
Green tea may boost dental health Got green tea? This caffeinated drink can reduce your chances of tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer. -
Gum chewing: helpful or harmful to teeth? Believe it or not, certain chewing gums may actually help to clean your teeth. Learn more about the surprising oral health benefits of sugar-free chewing gum and gum sweetened with xylitol. -
Holiday sweets can be tough on teeth The winter holidays are a time for sweet treats and tempting goodies, but that doesn't mean that you have to end up at the dentist with cavities in January. -
How calcium plays a crucial role in oral health Calcium is an essential mineral for strong teeth and bones. Check out our tips for getting enough calcium in your diet to maintain a healthy smile. -
How dieting can affect your oral health Embarking on a new diet? Find out how popular dieting strategies can affect your mouth. -
How xylitol affects your teeth The low-calorie sweetener xylitol has a sweet-as-sugar taste, and studies show that it may help prevent tooth decay. -
Your smile, your body: How eating disorders affect oral health Eating disorders can harm your whole body, including your mouth. Here are some common eating disorders and the effect they can have on you.
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Chocolate banana coconut smoothie Packed with chocolate, banana and a hint of coconut, this refreshing smoothie is satisfyingly sweet with no added sugar. -
Green vanilla mint smoothie Start your day off right with a refreshing minty green smoothie. Packed with spinach, bananas and coconut, this tasty drink builds healthy teeth. -
No-sugar-added minty hot cocoa Who doesn’t like a nice, warm beverage to keep them toasty during the chilly winter months? Ditch the sugary versions and opt for this guilt-free hot chocolate instead.
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Almond cookies Got a sweet tooth, but don’t want the cavity-causing sugar? Try using xylitol for as a substitute for sugar! -
Banana "ice cream" Try this cool, creamy banana treat that provides the sweetness of ice cream without any added sugar. -
Chocolate cupcakes Satisfy your sweet tooth with these sugar-free and gluten-free chocolate cupcakes. -
Chocolate peanut butter fudge Smooth, rich and satisfying, this chocolate peanut butter fudge offers a sweet flavor with low sugar content. -
Frozen fruit pops These refreshing fruit popsicles have no added sugar, and they’re easy to make at home. -
Fruit kabobs These fruit kabobs are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without added sugar. -
Low-sugar chocolate chip cookies This chocolate chip cookie recipe reduces sugar while maintaining taste. -
Strawberry banana ice cream Try this four-ingredient recipe for a dessert that’s quick and easy to make and has no added sugar. -
Strawberry frozen yogurt This creamy strawberry treat is easy to make and has an ice cream-like consistency. -
“Caramel” yogurt dip Crunchy apples are a great snack for teeth, but sticky candy coatings and sugary dips can do a number on your oral health.
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Black bean rice burgers Great for teeth and gums, these vegetarian black bean patties offer a healthy alternative to the classic hamburger. -
Lentil and cashew roast This filling nut loaf packs flavor with a healthy serving of calcium, vitamin C and phosphorus. Made from lentils and cashews, this recipe is gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians. -
Pizzadilla These “pizzadillas” cut the amount of fat and calories but still provide all the flavor of your favorite pizza. -
Vegetarian bean and cheese taquitos Make your own taquitos. With black beans and cheese, this healthy homemade alternative is quick and tasty. -
Veggie omelet This delicious vegetarian omelet is quick and tasty. Just grab eggs, vegetables and cheese. -
Whole-wheat pancakes A tasty, healthy treat for a family breakfast: whole-wheat pancakes with fresh fruit and low-fat yogurt.
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Apple-raisin salad Try this new salad recipe that uses apples and raisins to satisfy your sweet cravings without adding extra sugar. -
Heart-shaped salad This lovely fresh salad features a delicious mix of crunchy vegetables and mozzarella cheese. The heart-shaped veggies add a personal touch. -
Spinach and mandarin orange salad Spinach and mandarin orange salad is a great way to get added calcium and iron in your diet.
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Avocado yogurt dip Try this creamy avocado yogurt that is both healthy and full of good fats. -
Banana nut muffins These homemade banana walnut muffins hit the spot — and they’re gluten-free and low in sugar. -
Braised carrots and capers Featuring carrots and capers, this delicious side dish adds flavor to any main meal and is packed with smile-friendly vitamins A and C. -
Broccomole This low-fat alternative to guacamole is full of ingredients that won't harm your teeth. -
Cheese in a blanket Cheese is an excellent source of calcium and other nutrients that are good for your teeth. -
Cheesy zucchini rounds Enjoy baked zucchini slices featuring crispy Parmesan with this quick and tasty recipe. -
Cucumber roll-ups Healthy and easy, this refreshing snack requires only cucumbers, chives and hummus or Greek yogurt. -
Eggplant pizzas This fun, eggplant-based alternative to pizza makes a quick and tasty snack. The recipe features eggplant, tomato and cheese. -
Garlic sweet potato mash Try this savory garlic sweet potato mash to get your holiday sweet potato fix without any added sugar. -
Guacamole chicken lettuce wraps Got avocados and lettuce? Try this Mexican-inspired recipe for an appetizer rich in flavor and nutrients. -
Monster mouths Make these monster mouths that are sure to liven up snack time. -
Mountain trail mix This mountain trail mix is easy to make and full of protein. -
Parmesan spinach bake Light and delicious, this creamy spinach bake is a great source of calcium and potassium. -
Pumpkin hummus This fall-inspired hummus features pumpkins, garbanzo beans and tahini. -
Roasted butternut squash with garlic and herbs This oven-roasted side features winter squash seasoned with herbs and garlic. -
Spinach and artichoke dip This chunky dip combines rich flavor with a trove of healthy ingredients. Great with pita or tortilla chips, it’s a party favorite -
Vegetable platter with dip With crisp, fresh vegetables (for antioxidants and vitamin C) and calcium-rich yogurt or sour cream, this dish does double duty for healthy teeth. -
Watermelon feta blackberry skewers These tricolor fruit kabobs make a quick and tasty summer snack featuring watermelon, feta cheese and fresh blackberries.
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Black bean and salsa soup Made from black beans and salsa, this hearty soup can keep you full for hours. Not only is it quick to prepare, it’s also packed with protein, vitamin C and iron for a healthy mouth and body. -
Broccoli cheese soup This tasty broccoli soup is packed with tooth- and gum-supporting vitamins K and C, plus a boost of calcium and flavor from the added cheese. -
Celery root soup Creamy, smooth and peppery, this pureed celeriac soup offers comfort on a cold day. -
Pumpkin soup This filling pumpkin soup has no added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of pumpkin and cream. -
Red lentil soup Featuring nutrient-rich red lentils, almonds and curry, this hearty soup will fill you right up.
Recipes
Expand your cooking repertoire with these smile-friendly recipes for the whole family.
