What you eat has a major impact on your oral health. Foods that are rich in calcium and other vitamins and minerals can benefit your teeth and gums, while those that are high in sugar and starch can cause tooth decay and other problems.
Read this short guide to learn how improving your diet could lower your oral health risks and some healthy sugar swaps to save your teeth. If you need to see a dentist in the Everton Park or Mitchelton area, get in touch with Swish Dental today.
What is the healthiest food for your teeth?
A balanced diet across all food groups that includes plenty of vitamins and minerals promotes strong teeth and healthy gums. Some of the best choices are:
- Fruit and vegetables: Rich in healthy vitamins and fibre that help to scrub plaque off teeth, fresh fruit and veggies help to combat cavities and gum disease and help saliva to flow.
- Dairy products: Cheese, plain yoghurt and other dairy goods are great sources of calcium, which helps to remineralise tooth enamel.
- Fish and meat: Fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna contain high amounts of vitamin D, while many meats contain phosphorus. These help the teeth and bones to absorb calcium.
- Nuts and almonds: As well as being a healthy alternative to sugary snacks, nuts and almonds are high in calcium and help to remove plaque.
What foods are most damaging to teeth?
It's generally a good idea to limit sugary foods in your diet, as these feed bacteria on your teeth that cause tooth decay, which can lead to cavities, fillings and other treatments. As well as the obvious culprits like lollies and cakes, you should also look out for:
- Dried fruit: Like sticky and chewy sweets, dried fruits such as raisins are also high in sugar and can stay on the teeth for longer, even after brushing.
- Acidic fruits: While fruit has many benefits, more acidic options like citrus fruits can contribute to tooth erosion.
- Starchy foods: White bread and refined carbohydrates like pasta, chips and crackers can act like sugars on teeth and get stuck in gaps.
- Hard foods: You should avoid biting down on food and objects that are very hard, such as hard sweets, popcorn kernels and ice cubes, as this can damage your teeth.
What are the best and worst drinks for teeth?
As well as foods, sugary and acidic drinks are also major contributors to tooth decay. A study by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) found that many popular drinks, particularly soft drinks and energy drinks, contain more than twice a person's recommended daily sugar intake in a single serving.
Healthy drink options for teeth include nutritious green tea, calcium-rich milk and plain water, especially with fluoride added at safe levels to help prevent decay.
See a dentist in Brisbane
If you're concerned about your oral health or you're due for your check-up, call our friendly team at your local Swish Dental clinic today. You can get in touch in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422, in Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341 or book online.
References
Australian Dental Association. New audit shows popular drinks have more than twice daily sugar limit [Online] 2026 [Accessed September 2026] Available from: https://ada.org.au/new-audit-shows-popular-drinks-have-more-than-twice-daily-sugar-limit