How to make a tooth-friendly Valentine’s Day dinner

Valentine’s Day often sneaks up on you. If you’re not sure what to make for the special occasion, we can help! Check out these recipes for a delicious and tooth-friendly Valentine’s Day dinner.

Tooth-friendly Valentine’s Day dinner recipes

A romantic Valentine’s Day dinner that keeps the health of your teeth in mind doesn’t have to be bland. How does a steak complimented with a healthier side and adorable dessert sound? It’s sure to make your Valentine’s Day dinner date smile.

Valentine’s Day steak

Original recipe & directions: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/269593/valentines-day-steak/

Ingredients:

• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 (5-ounce) ribeye steaks

Pro tip: This recipe calls for the steaks to marinate the night before cooking and serving this meal, so remember the preparation before February 14.

Steak is a nutritious source of high-quality protein when cooked properly, and makes for a mouthwatering romantic Valentine’s Day dinner that’s good for your teeth.

Red meat like steak contains beneficial nutrients like iron. Iron helps defend against anemia, which is “a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.” Studies have found that people with low hemoglobin levels have a higher risk of developing periodontitis (gum disease) than those with normal levels.

It’s also important to keep moderation in mind when consuming red meat, as eating too much can increase health risks.

Basic risotto

Original recipe & directions: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/250205/basic-risotto/

Ingredients:

• 5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, beef broth, seafood stock, bottled clam juice, no-chicken broth, or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped shallots or onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups arborio, carnaroli, or other Italian risotto rice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup finely shredded parmigiano-reggiano cheese, divided
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

This recipe makes for a simple, delicious, and classy side dish. Risotto is a great Valentine’s Day dinner option because it only takes 50 minutes to prepare and it’s gluten-free. Plus, the rich flavors are a great compliment to a hearty steak.

This risotto recipe uses parmigiano-reggiano cheese, which is a good source of calcium. Calcium is a mineral that is important for having strong bones. This is particularly important when it comes to the strength of your jawbone where your teeth are attached. If the bones that make up your jaw become weak, you may experience tooth loss.

Heart fruit skewers

Original recipe & directions: https://thishealthytable.com/blog/strawberry-watermelon-skewers/

Ingredients:

• 1 small watermelon, cut into discs
• 1 cantaloupe, cut into discs
• 1 honeydew, cut into discs
• 2 cups of strawberries, halved
• 1/4 cup blueberries

This recipe utilizes tooth-friendly fruit that are full of vitamin C and only takes 10 minutes to prepare.

A study from Frontier in Nutrition found that vitamin C “contributes to collagen synthesis, which is an important protein for providing tooth structure, support, and maintenance.” Additionally, vitamin C may play an important role in reducing the risk of developing dental caries (cavities) and periodontal disease. 

Pro tip: If your significant other doesn’t like these fruits, replace them with other fruits that provide vitamin C such as apples, pears, or pineapples.

Valentine’s Day oral health tips

Doing things to keep your oral health in good shape is important every day, but having fresh and clean teeth after Valentine’s Day dinner may be especially important.

Remember to brush your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride twice a day and use floss once a day to remove any food debris that can cause bad breath out of your teeth. The last thing you want this Valentine’s Day is bad breath.

Click here for more tips to conquer bad breath.

Are you looking for more tooth-friendly recipes? Check out “Tooth-Friendly Treats: Oatmeal Cookie Recipe.”