When sweet summertime strikes, what’s better than a cool, refreshing ice cream cone beneath the hot and humid sun? Neighborhood ice cream shops are open and bustling with business. While you’re likely craving a delicious sundae, consider your oral health. Classic ice cream is full of sugars and loaded with fat. While this is fine in moderation, these sugars are not part of a healthy cavity-prevention plan. Luckily, there are icy alternatives to ice cream that are equally as delicious, with an added bonus of being safe for your teeth and gums. Plus, these recipes are great for anyone who is sensitive to lactose and gluten ingredients. These frozen treats include:

Banana “Ice Cream”

Banana ice cream is one of the easiest homemade recipes you could make. The only ingredients are a few ripe bananas. Yes, that’s all!

• Recipe:
  • Peel and cut up two or three bananas.
  • Freeze the bananas for one or two hours.
  • Place the frozen bananas into a blender and blend until creamy.
  • Scoop the blended frozen bananas into a bowl and serve.

Tip: Add healthy toppings, such as peanut butter, fruit, or dark chocolate.

Sorbet

What is so fantastic and healthy about sorbet? It’s made with fresh fruit and juice concentrate. Choosing a sorbet recipe with high-water content is even better! Some examples include pear or apple sorbets, as these fruits contain a lot of water. Water is not only healthy for your diet, but also vital for proper oral care.

Tip: Sorbets contain sugars from the fresh fruit and juice, so remember to brush!

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt is an excellent alternative to rich and sugary ice cream. Much like sorbet, frozen yogurt uses fruit and juice, but what’s added is the yogurt component. Yogurt can transform an icy smoothie into a thicker, creamier consistency. Try this strawberry frozen yogurt recipe at home to satisfy your treat cravings this summer. Your teeth will thank you!

• Ingredients
  • A 16 oz. pack of strawberries
  • ½ cup sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ cup plain yogurt (nonfat is ideal)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Directions
  • Combine the strawberries with the sweetener in a food processor.
  • Pulse until the ingredients are chopped up.
  • Add the yogurt and lemon juice into the mix.
  • Process the mixture until the consistency is smooth.
  • Scoop and serve.

Greek Frozen Yogurt

As stated, frozen yogurt is a fantastic summer treat, but what’s even better is Greek frozen yogurt. Greek yogurt is loaded with healthy probiotics and protein, which some studies indicate may boost dental health in children. Additionally, Greek frozen yogurt is thick and creamy, which makes it a close substitute to authentic ice cream.

Desserts with Benefits has a very easy homemade Vanilla Bean Greek Frozen Yogurt recipe worth testing out. The recipe uses whole ingredients without any refined sugars, corn syrup, or heavy cream. It’s a great choice for your oral health and diet!

Beat the heat with these guilt-free refreshing treats this summer. For any questions or concerns about ideal food choices for your oral health, please contact our office. Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we want you to make sure your teeth are happy and healthy! Call us at (207) 781-5900 for more information.