There are few things more American than gathering on Super Bowl Sunday with family and friends to watch the game (and commercials) and indulge in delicious food. But while a Super Bowl party demands super appetizers, they shouldn’t come at the expense of your teeth.

As you shop for party foods, Nashville, we hope you’ll consider these 5 smile-friendly appetizers for the big game:

Meat and Cheese Tray

Summer sausage is delicious, but cheese is the quarterback in this party favorite. Cheese is not only packed with calcium for strengthening teeth, but also a protein called casein, which is effective in protecting the surface of your teeth.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

We have another savory and cheesy idea: Mozzarella sticks! But in lieu of the fatty calories that come with frying, bake them instead. Just freeze low-fat string cheese sticks before popping them in the oven, coated in panko or breadcrumbs to help them hold their shape.

Quesadillas

There are so many great ways to fix a quesadilla, but we recommend an apple, brie and arugula one for something unique. After all, “an apple a day keeps cavities at bay.” Why? It’s because apples cleanse and brighten the teeth. Another bonus is apples can provide a quick energy boost. For that, we think apples paired with quesadillas are a surefire draft pick.

Hummus

Hummus is the perfect starting condiment for just about anything from carrot sticks to sandwiches. Protein-rich chickpeas don’t contain any saturated fat or cholesterol, which makes hummus an all-around healthy choice. Chickpeas are also rich in folic acid, which keeps your mouth healthy by promoting cell growth throughout your body.  Talk about great zone defense!

Veggie Tray

Veggies are the defensive lineman of the party – they are there to attack the food collecting on your teeth as you snack during the big game. For each appetizer you eat, we recommend following it up with a glass of water and a stick of celery. Chewing celery helps produce more saliva in your mouth, which helps prevent plaque. Win-win.

Serve up these smile-friendly appetizers at your upcoming Super Bowl party, and you’ll be sure to score a touchdown among family and friends.

What are your favorite appetizers for the big game?

For more information or to make an appointment, call Nashville’s own Belle Meade Family Dentistry at (615) 298-2030.  You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.