Seven foods that are good for your teeth

Dental diet advice is usually a list of things to cut down on. It is worth turning that around, because a few everyday foods genuinely work in your favour. None of them replace brushing and cleaning between your teeth, but they are easy wins.

Cheese

Cheese helps neutralise acid in the mouth after eating, which reduces the conditions that lead to decay and enamel erosion. Chewing it also gets saliva flowing, and saliva is the mouth's own rinse. Cheese is a useful source of calcium and protein too. It is high in fat and salt, so small amounts, and unprocessed rather than processed.

Leafy greens

Greens are high in fibre and low in sugar, and they need chewing, which again brings saliva into play. If you struggle to eat enough of them, baby spinach disappears into an omelette or on a pizza, and rocket works in almost any salad.

Apples

Apples are an exception to the usual advice about sweet and acidic fruit. They are high in water and fibre, so eating one gets saliva flowing and helps clear loose food debris. The firm texture also gives the gums a gentle workout. An apple after a meal is a reasonable thing to reach for when you cannot brush.

Carrots

Similar to apples in water and fibre content, with less acid, which makes them the better choice of the two. They are also a source of vitamin A. Baby carrots on their own, or carrot sticks with houmous, are the easy route in.

Celery

High in water and very fibrous. The texture means it scrubs a little as you chew, though it is nowhere near a substitute for brushing.

Almonds and other nuts

A good source of calcium and protein, high in fibre, and low in sugar. A handful with breakfast, scattered over porridge, or through a salad or stir fry.

Yoghurt

Like cheese, yoghurt is high in calcium and protein. Live yoghurt also contains probiotic bacteria. Choose plain, with no added sugar, since sweetened yoghurts undo the point of eating it.

One thing to keep in mind

Frequency matters more than quantity. Grazing all day, even on tooth-friendly food, keeps the mouth acidic for longer than eating the same amount at set mealtimes. If you have questions about a particular food or drink, ask us at your next check-up or get in touch.