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6 Mouth-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Drinks and Dishes
With St. Patrick’s Day just days away, it’s time to consider the most mouth-friendly Irish-themed food and drinks to reach for on March 17. Here are 6 drink and food alternatives.
It’s no secret that green beer is not the best drink of choice for tooth enamel. The green dye may leave a slight tint to your teeth, while the acids in beer can lead to caries and oral malodor. With St. Patrick’s Day just days away, it’s time to consider the most mouth-friendly Irish-themed food and drinks to reach for on March 17. Here are 6 drink and food alternatives.
1. SAY NO TO DYE
Drinking a few green beers will not permanently dye your teeth, but the tint may stick around for the evening. If you are going to stick with beer, consider opting for a dye-free pint. Blondes and pale ales still contain acids, sugars, and starches that can adversely affect oral health, but at least they won’t stain your teeth.
2. SMOOTHIES
Start your St. Patty’s Day morning off right with a smoothie jam-packed with veggies, such as carrots, which contain vitamin A for oral health, and antioxidants. Pick from ginger-kale, spinach-apple, avocado, or a detox drink. A smoothie containing immunity-boosting ingredients would be beneficial for those planning to spend the evening in a pub full of people.
3. JUST ADD WATER
Just because an alcoholic beverage is not dyed green does not mean your teeth—and mouth—are safe. Consider adding water to your drink list while consuming alcohol.
4. SODA BREAD
This beloved bread can be mouth friendly but it really depends on the recipe. Some people may use white granulated sugar or bleached white flour, while others use whole-wheat flour and no sugar.
5. SPINACH
Skip the carbohydrate-laden champ and colcannon and reach for a salad or a piece of homemade pizza loaded with leafy green veggies instead. Spinach and kale are chock-full of calcium and folic acid, which are beneficial to tooth enamel. Spinach spread, kale salad, or spinach salad with carrots and other veggies mixed in are only some healthier green-themed dishes that are sure to be people pleasers.
6. HASH
While hash is a must have on St. Patrick’s Day, there are healthier alternatives to the traditional potato dish. Mix in sweet potatoes for a dose of calcium, or purple potatoes and cauliflower for a healthier take on this traditional breakfast.
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