You’ve heard it all before- your smile reflects more than just your dental care—it’s also shaped by what you eat.
At The Kensington Dentist, we always remind our patients that oral health isn’t just about brushing and flossing—your diet plays a huge role in keeping your teeth strong and free from decay. Here’s a helpful guide on how diet affects your oral health and the best (and worst) foods for your smile.
🥦 Best Food for Healthy Teeth
1. Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Yoghurt)
Rich in calcium and phosphates, dairy helps strengthen tooth enamel and balance mouth pH levels. Cheese even stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
2. Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables (Apples, Carrots, Celery)
These fibrous foods act like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing teeth surfaces and stimulating saliva. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins that support gum health.
3. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Broccoli)
Full of vitamins and minerals, leafy greens promote enamel strength and support healthy gums thanks to their calcium and folic acid content.
4. Nuts & Seeds
Almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds are great sources of minerals and healthy fats. They’re also low in sugar and can help remineralise enamel.
5. Water (Especially Fluoridated)
Staying hydrated keeps your mouth moist, aids in cleaning, and helps reduce the acidity in your mouth. Fluoridated water offers additional protection against decay. We always recommend rinsing with water after consuming sugary foods.
🍬 Foods & Drinks to Limit
1. Sugary Snacks (Sweets, Biscuits, Cakes)
Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to acid production and enamel erosion. Sticky sweets are especially problematic as they cling to teeth longer.
2. Acidic Drinks (Soda, Energy Drinks, Citrus Juices)
High acidity weakens enamel and contributes to tooth sensitivity. Even diet sodas, despite being sugar-free, are highly acidic.
3. Dried Fruits
They may seem healthy, but dried fruits are sticky and concentrated with sugar—making them a common culprit for hidden decay.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol dries out the mouth, reducing saliva and increasing cavity risk. Red wine and dark spirits can also stain teeth over time.
💡 Tips for a Tooth-Friendly Diet
Rinse your mouth (or brush if you can) with water after consuming sugary or acidic foods.
Limit snacking on sugar between meals—frequent eating keeps acid levels high.
Brush 30 minutes after acidic meals or drinks to avoid brushing softened enamel.
🦷 You are what you eat!
Your diet has a direct impact on your oral health and appearance of your teeth. Making simple swaps—like water instead of soda or cheese instead of crisps—can go a long way in preserving your smile. Remember, regular hygiene and dental checkups are always advised so we can catch any problems early!
Need personalised advice? Book a dental check up with one of our experienced dentists in London, here at TKD—we’re always happy to help you smile with confidence.