5 food and drinks that are surprisingly good for your oral health

We spend a lot of time talking about the foods and drinks that can damage your teeth, like fizzy drinks and sugary snacks, but did you know that some foods can actually benefit your oral health? It’s true! While brushing, flossing, and regular dental treatments are still essential, what you eat can also play an important role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

At AP Smilecare, we encourage our patients to take an active role in their dental health. This doesn’t just mean steering clear of harmful foods; it’s also about enjoying the good ones! Moderation is key. Whether you’re making your shopping list for the week or are just looking for healthier snack ideas, here are five surprising foods and drinks that can actually be great for your smile.

Say cheese!

Cheese might be a crowd-pleaser at a party, but it’s also surprisingly good for your teeth. It helps boost saliva production, which is key for rinsing away food particles and neutralising acids that can wear down your enamel – especially after meals or acidic drinks. On top of that, it’s full of calcium and phosphates that help strengthen and protect your enamel over time. So, whether you’re sprinkling parmesan over your dinner or reaching for a slice of cheddar you’re also giving your teeth a bit of extra support.

Sip on some green tea

Green tea is well-known for its numerous health benefits, and it turns out your mouth gets a few of those, too. It’s rich in natural antioxidants that help fight off the bacteria that cause plaque, gum disease, and bad breath. It’s also much gentler on your teeth than sugary drinks or fruit juices. Just keep in mind that darker teas – even green – can still stain your teeth if you’re drinking them all day long, so it’s worth having a glass of water alongside it or chewing sugar-free gum afterwards to help keep your teeth fresh.

Snack on crunchy vegetables

Raw veg like carrots, celery, and broccoli might not be the most exciting snack, but they do a brilliant job of helping to clean your teeth. Their crunchy texture gently scrubs your enamel as you chew and encourages saliva flow, which helps to rinse your mouth and balance acid levels. Broccoli is especially good because it contains iron, which can help protect your enamel from acid damage. Whether you’re snacking between meals or adding them to your plate at dinner, crunchy veg is a simple way to support better oral health.

Almonds for a smile-friendly snack

If you’re looking for something tooth-friendly to snack on, almonds are a great choice. They’re low in sugar but packed with calcium and protein, which support strong, healthy enamel. Unlike sticky or sweet snacks, they don’t cling to your teeth or leave behind sugar for bacteria to feed on. Plus, their crunch helps encourage more chewing and saliva production, which helps keep your mouth clean between brushes. Just stick to plain or lightly roasted varieties to avoid added sugars and salts.

An apple a day

Apples are a handy, tasty snack – even better – they’re also helpful for your teeth. Thanks to their fibrous texture, they gently clean the surface of your teeth while you chew, almost like a natural toothbrush. They’re also high in water, which helps to dilute the sugars and acids they contain, and they encourage saliva production too. While it’s true that apples do still contain sugar, they’re a far better option than processed snacks when you’re after something sweet; plus, they have a staying crunch, and they’re one of your five-a-day!

Eating well doesn’t mean you need to give up the things you love, though – chocolate, sweets, cookies, wine, and fizzy drinks all have their place. A balanced diet with the occasional treat is the best way to enjoy life and keep your smile bright and healthy!

At AP Smilecare, we’re here to help you keep your smile looking and feeling its best all year round. Whether it’s time for a routine check-up or you’re interested in a specific treatment, we’re always happy to chat. We also have plenty more advice to share, and our friendly dentists will be pleased to answer any questions you might have. You can give us a call on 01254 297 000 or take a look at the full range of dental treatments we offer. We’d love to help you feel more confident in your smile.