Dentures: Facts, Figures and Friendly Advice for Seniors

5 Best Foods for Healthy Teeth

4 January 2022

Herman Kim

Everyone knows which foods they need to avoid for the sake of their dental health: those high in sugar, such as soft drinks and sweets. But what foods can you eat that can help to make your teeth strong and healthy? Read on to learn about some of the healthiest foods for your teeth.

1. Calcium-Rich Foods

Teeth contain large amounts of calcium, so it is important to have a good dietary intake of this vital mineral. The best-known source of calcium is dairy products, such as milk or cheese. However, there is no need for vegans or people with dairy allergies to miss out. Other good calcium sources include leafy green vegetables, beans, chickpeas and almonds. Dairy alternatives, such as soy milk, are also usually fortified with calcium.

2. Foods Rich in Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps you to absorb calcium from the foods you eat. It is found in relatively few foods, which means that deficiency is common. Good sources of vitamin D include salmon, mackerel, sardines, eggs, dairy, fortified dairy alternatives and mushrooms. Your body can also produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, although it is important not to overdo sun exposure due to the risk of skin cancer.

3. Foods Containing Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another mineral that is contained within teeth. You can find this essential mineral in lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans and nuts.

4. Fruits and Vegetables High in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for the health of your gums. Without adequate vitamin C, it is possible to develop a condition called scurvy, in which the gum tissue becomes weak, unhealthy and unable to support the teeth. You can easily add vitamin C into your diet by eating citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers and even potatoes.

5. Raw Fruits and Vegetables

If you are looking for a meal to give your teeth and gums a workout, then a salad is a great choice. The fibre in raw vegetables forces you to chew them thoroughly, which provides stimulation to your gums and jaw bone that helps to stimulate the growth of new tissue.

Whole fruit is similarly great for your teeth. The sugars inside the fruit are locked away inside the cells, which means they are not harmful to your teeth like the sugars in juice or sweetened foods. Crunch an apple every day to keep your dentist happy.

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