We often think of our diet as affecting only our bodies. Eating fewer fatty foods means we’ll lose a few pounds, whilst eating more protein will boost our strength. However, diet is extremely important for our teeth as well as our bodies, and there are particular foods we should be eating that are especially good for teeth 

National Smile Month is the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health. It has a particular focus on how important diet is for healthy teeth, emphasizing the point that healthy food is not just good for our bodies, but also improves the health and strength of our teeth.  

One of the key messages this campaign highlights is to cut down on sugary foods and drinks. So, we thought it would be a good idea to put together some tips on how you can do just that! 

We’ve also included a list of foods that are extremely good for our teeth and have provided advice on how to enhance the strength of your teeth by eating the right kind of foods. Read below to find all the information you need for creating the perfect diet for healthy teeth.  

The importance of diet for healthy teeth 

The foods you eat affect your teeth and gums as well as your overall health. A poor diet can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Foods high in carbohydrates, sugars and starches greatly influence the production of plaque acids that attack the tooth enamel. Eventually, these acids can cause tooth enamel to break down, causing the formation of a cavity. 

Sugary foods can also contribute to tooth decay. Almost all foods, including milk and vegetables, contain some type of sugar, however, these foods are a necessary part of a healthy diet as they also contain important nutrients.  

Therefore, it’s important to strike the right balance between naturally sugary foods, such as fruits and vegetable, whilst cutting down or entirely avoiding foods and drinks with added sugars. Typical and popular sugary foods include fizzy drinks, fruit juice, energy drinks, sweets, biscuits and pastries. 

By creating and sticking to a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fresh fruit and vegetables will help protect your tooth enamel and prevent long-term problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. However, If your diet lacks certain nutrients, teeth can become weaker, more prone to decay, and the tissues in your mouth and gums will be less able to resist infection. 

The best food groups for strong teeth

Most of us are aware of the importance of good oral hygiene habits and try to maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine, however, often we forget about the impact food can have on our teeth. 

To help our patients eat the best food for strong teeth, we’ve included a list of everyday foods that can help improve the health and strength of your teeth, as well as having a positive impact on your overall health and fitness; A win-win situation! 

Apples

Apples are full of vitamins and the skin of the apple scrubs against your teeth which helps remove plaque and stains. Furthermore, they are great for getting rid of bad breath as the acidity of the apple helps kill any bad bacteria that may be the cause of this.

Green Vegetables

Spinach, lettuce and other leafy green vegetables come with a huge variety of health and dental benefits. As well as antioxidants and iron, they are full of beta- carotene which helps keep tooth enamel strong.

Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fats which break down the inflammation that occurs when bacteria irritate gums.  They also provide us with minerals and vitamin D which are key components to strong teeth and jaw bones.

Healthy Snack Options

Drinking plenty of water and eating a well-balanced diet will help keep your smile healthy. If you choose a snack, choose nutritious foods such as low fat and fat-free dairy foods like cheese and yoghurt. Nuts and raw vegetables are also tooth friendly snacks.

What to do if your teeth are already damaged? 

If you have not stuck to a healthy diet in recent years and are suffering from cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, pain or even tooth loss, do not lose hope of achieving a happy and healthy smile!  

There are now many cosmetic dental procedures that can help to improve both the aesthetic look, strength and health of your smile. Some of the best cosmetic options for improving the strength and health of your teeth include:  

• Root canal treatment – used if you have severe tooth ache caused by an abscess or tooth decay. 
• Airflow treatment – this treatment helps improve the look and health of your teeth. Airflow therapy removes persistent stains on the teeth and helps get rid of plaque and discolouration by using a combination of water, compressed air and fine powder particles. 
• Dental implants – perfect if you have suffered from tooth loss or extraction. Dental implants will improve your overall oral health and give back strength to your bite. 
• Orthodontics – orthodontic treatment is primarily for straightening teeth, but procedures can also help improve oral health and strengthen teeth. 

If you are more focused on improving the aesthetic look of your smile, you might consider: 

• Professional teeth whitening to get rid of stains and enhance your shade of white 
• Composite bonding to cover up imperfections such as cracks, gaps and marks. Composite bonding also adds extra strength to your teeth! 
• Veneers, which are designed for covering the outer surface of your teeth in order to improve the strength and appearance of your smile. 

Creating happy, healthy smiles at Brite Dental 

If you are serious about your oral health and truly want to improve the health and strength of your teeth, then it’s essential that you visit your dentist regularly. Attending regular dental check-ups will help identify issues before they become serious, which leads to better overall oral health and will contribute to maintaining strong, healthy teeth for longer.  

Your dentist will also give your personalised advice on diet, oral health habits and relevant procedures that will help improve your smile and health. 

Brite Dental was created by an award-winning team of dentists and dental care professionals to provide you with the best level of dental care available today. 

Register at one of our four practices today to book an appointment, or simply get in touch for further advice and tips for improving your diet and your oral health.