THESE DENTIST-APPROVED DESSERTS ARE HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS
You don’t have to feel guilty for wanting dessert! These tooth-healthy sweet treats can help satisfy your craving and keep you from having to make a trip to the dentist.
Typically, the words “healthy” and “dessert” do not go together, and usually, your dentist would be the one telling you not to eat sweets, but sometimes you just have to satisfy that nagging craving for a treat. After all, nobody wants to give up chocolate forever, and that’s okay! As long as you practice good dental hygiene and enjoy a balanced diet, a bit of candy or sweets here and there is no big deal.
If you have a serious sweet tooth, though, that can be a bit tricky. Thankfully, there are ways you can enjoy snacks without compromising your dental health! Here are three recipes that will show you can satisfy a craving with sin-free sweets.
#1. AVOCADO CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
Avocados are such a delicious and versatile fruit, and when mixed with chocolate, make for a spectacularly creamy dessert. It’s the perfect treat after a long day, and you can top it with berries or fruit for extra decadence. Better still, this recipe calls for dark chocolate, which can be packed with antioxidants.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- 4 ripe avocados
- ¼ cup of coconut milk
- 4 tbsp of unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp of honey, or more or less to sweeten
- 2 oz of dark chocolate (72% or higher), melted
- 2 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp of salt
- coconut whipped cream for layering or topping
- chopped strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries and peaches
- fresh mint for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Remove the skin and the pits from the avocados and roughly chop. Using a food processor, blend the avocado pieces until smooth.
Incorporate the coconut milk, cocoa powder, honey, dark chocolate, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy and thoroughly combined. You’ll have to scrape the sides to ensure the entire mixture blends completely. Taste the mousse. If desired, you can add extra honey, vanilla, or chocolate and mix again.
Serve layered over coconut whipped cream or by itself, and top with fresh berries or fruit and garnish with mint. If you’d like it chilled, stick the mousse in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before eating.
#2. FOUR-INGREDIENT FUDGE
Fudge is a family favorite, but it has so much sugar and butter that it can be a bit heavy on your teeth and gums. Sugar can dissolve away at tooth enamel, making you more susceptible to dental issues such as cavities and gingivitis. This healthy and easy-to-make peanut butter fudge can allow you to enjoy a decadent dessert without feeling guilty.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- 2 cups of finely shredded and unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter (for best results, use a brand that is just peanuts + salt)
- 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil
- 3–5 tbsp of maple syrup (depending on your preference)
- 1 pinch of sea salt (optional)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend the shredded coconut in a food processor until creamy and smooth, for about 4 minutes. You may need to scrape the sides down periodically to ensure it mixes completely. Add peanut butter and coconut oil and blend again.
Incorporate the maple syrup one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired sweetness. If you add too much, the mixture can thicken up excessively, but you can thin it out with a small bit of coconut oil. You can also add the vanilla and sea salt at this time. Blend until completely combined.
Line a deep baking dish with parchment paper and spread the fudge evenly across it. Here, you can add more toppings, such as crushed peanuts or coconut shavings.
Stick the dish in the freezer for at least 15 minutes so that it can become firm. Then, using a hot knife, cut the fudge into squares for serving. This recipe should make around 20 pieces. Serve and enjoy immediately.
#3. CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES
This classic favorite allows you to enjoy the creaminess of the milk chocolate, balanced with the fresh flavors of the strawberry. Even better, it is easy to put together and makes for an excellent party favor or after-dinner dessert.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, washed
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate
INSTRUCTIONS
After rinsing your strawberries thoroughly, be sure to pat them completely dry.
You can melt your chocolate using a stove or a microwave. Start with a heat-proof bowl, then place it directly in the microwave and heat for 60 seconds, then stir and return to the microwave for 10 more seconds. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate on the stove using a double-boiler system. To do so, fill a pot with a few inches of water, and bring to a simmer. Place the bowl with the chocolate on top, and heat until melted, stirring regularly. Once smooth, remove from the heat.
Dip the strawberries into the melted chocolate by their hulls, coating most of the fruit. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
To set, place in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY DENTAL-SAFE DESSERTS
There are lots of simple one- or two-ingredient desserts that you can always throw together as long as you have a few staple ingredients in your pantry! Whether you are indulging in a late-night snack or making after-dinner treats for the whole family, here are some healthy treats that can satisfy a sweet tooth:
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt Parfait
- Dark chocolate bars
- Chocolate-covered bananas
- Baked cinnamon apples
- Berry smoothies
Furthermore, a piece of candy here and there isn’t the worst thing in the world. Just remember the best way to eat sugary snacks is after a meal; since your mouth is already producing more saliva then, it can help to reduce any sticky stuff that stays behind on your gums. Don’t rush to brush your teeth immediately after a snack, either! You might feel guilty and think it’s a quick fix, but since sugar and acids can soften the enamel on your teeth, brushing right away can sometimes do more harm than good by removing the enamel while it is soft. If you can’t wait till dinner, pop a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth afterward to help keep your teeth clean.
BELA FAMILY DENTISTRY IS HERE TO HELP
Your eating habits can reflect on your dental health, which is why a well-balanced diet is the best back-up to a regular oral care routine. At Bela Family Dentistry of Kershaw, we work closely with patients to help them understand the importance of dental health and maintaining their pearly whites free from tooth decay and bacteria. We offer a range of dentistry services, including restorative procedures for cavities and preventative treatments such as dental sealants. New patients are welcome to contact us today to schedule a comprehensive assessment.
