Snow days: how to keep cozy and stay smiling
Feeling cooped up during the winter months? Here are some engaging activities to keep you and your family entertained while enhancing your oral and overall health.
Play a little balloon tennis
Active kids (and parents) can burn off energy with a game of balloon tennis — without the risk of breaking things.
Instructions
- Create “tennis rackets” by attaching paper plates to rulers or popsicle sticks.
- Inflate a balloon to use as a tennis ball.
- Decide if you’re playing one vs. one or dividing your family into teams.
- Start the game and have some fun.
Did you know? Chasing a balloon not only provides exercise but also releases endorphins, helping reduce stress and teeth grinding.
Warm up with an herbal chamomile tea
Warm up with a soothing cup of chamomile tea, which helps slow mouth bacteria growth and supports your immune system.
Ingredients
- 4 cups boiling water
- 6 bags chamomile tea
- 4 slices lemon
- 2-4 teaspoons honey
- 2 sprigs rosemary
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl or container.
- Steep for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the tea to remove the tea bags, ginger and lemons.
- Transfer the tea to a pitcher and serve hot.
Make homemade snow globes
Looking for another fun and affordable way to keep your kids occupied? Make your own snow globes.
What you need
- One or more small glass jars
- Sandpaper
- Super glue or a hot glue gun
- Small items to put in the jar (typically toys or figurines)
- Glitter
- Optional: Glycerin to thicken the water
Instructions
- Sand the inside of the lid until the surface is rough.
- Use super glue or a hot glue gun to stick the figurines to the inside of the jar lid.
- Let glue dry.
- Fill the jar with water, leaving a little room at the top.
- Add a pinch of glitter and a couple drops of glycerin to the water.
- Screw the lid on tightly, shake the snow globe and enjoy.
Cook a smile-friendly, tomato-free chili
Warm up with a delicious, tomato-free chili that's easier on your teeth.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. jar roasted peppers
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained
Instructions
- Blend the roasted peppers and broth until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a pan on medium-high heat.
- Sauté the diced onion, carrot, bell pepper and garlic for about 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add the spices and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the roasted pepper sauce and drained beans and stir.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the chili to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Fill a bowl with chili, add your favorite toppings and dig in.
Mouth-friendly recipe: Vegan power bowl
Dig into this vibrant vegan dinner of fresh veggies and wholesome grains for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
How to maintain healthy sleep during winter
As winter rolls around, shorter days and longer nights can throw off your sleep routine. Here’s how to stay well-rested this season.
Oil pulling and oral health
Oil pulling has made waves on social media lately, does it really work? Let’s break it down.