While it’s true that cookies often bring smiles to people’s faces, these sweet treats aren’t necessarily so good for your actual smile. Containing heaps of sugar and crunchy candy toppings, cookies can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, or chipped and broken teeth. With these risks in mind, you may wonder if it’s still possible to take part in the celebrations of National Cookie Day this December 4. Although you may have to avoid certain types of cookies, here are five ingredients that you can consider to better defend your dental care.  

5 Cookie Ingredients That Are Better for Teeth  

1. Stevia

When the sugar found in cookies, sprinkles, frosting, and candy toppings enters your mouth, oral bacteria use the sweet ingredient as a fuel source, causing them to produce cavity-causing acid in the process. Limiting the amount of sugar you include in your cookies can help prevent this dental care danger. For example, you might opt to swap sugar with stevia—a natural, non-caloric, sweetener that contains no sugar.

2. Dark Chocolate

If you’re craving chocolate chip cookies, milk and white chocolate are processed options that are high in sugar. However, you can switch these ingredients out for dark chocolate—a variety that is a less processed product of the cocoa bean. In addition to containing less sugar, dark chocolate contains several antioxidants that can help neutralize bacteria that harm oral health.

3. Nuts

Crunchy cookie toppings, such as toffee and peppermint, require tough chewing that may cause your teeth to chip or crack. Fortunately, if you’re in the mood for a crunch, nuts can serve as a healthier alternative. Popular varieties—such as almonds, peanuts, and walnuts—contain calcium and other minerals that can help you build stronger teeth.  

4. Oats & Granola  

Baking oats or granola in your cookies can do more than provide a delightful, chewy texture. These whole grains offer a significant amount of fiber—a nutrient that increases saliva, making it easier for your mouth to rinse away harmful bacteria and food debris.

5. Raisins

In the past, raisins have been considered harmful to teeth due to their sticky consistency. However, recent research suggests that mixing them into your cookies may not be so bad for your oral health. Specifically, these dehydrated grapes contain a variety of phytochemicals that can inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.  

Opting for these ingredients can certainly make your cookies smile-friendly, but it’s still important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean. In addition, you should also seek out professional teeth cleanings every six months from a trusted dentist—such as those at Milford Dental. Serving the Ohio community for more than four decades, this family dental care provider has the skills and resources necessary to protect your teeth and gums, as well as treat common oral health issues. To learn more about the gentle, friendly treatments they offer, visit this clinic online. For appointments, call (513) 575-9600.