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Post date: 30th October 2020

Diet and dental health

A healthy, balanced diet plays an important role in keeping teeth and gums healthy. Some foods provide essential nutrients that support strong teeth, while others can increase the risk of tooth decay or enamel wear if eaten too often or between meals.

Sugary and acidic foods can affect teeth in different ways:

  • Tooth decay happens when bacteria in dental plaque use sugars to produce acids that attack tooth enamel
  • Dental erosion is caused by acids in foods and drinks directly wearing away the enamel

Some naturally acidic foods can still be part of a healthy diet because they also provide valuable nutrients. Understanding which foods are more or less acidic can help you balance meals and snacks.

Fizzy drinks

Fizzy drinks are often high in sugar and are also very acidic. Both factors can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. These drinks are best avoided, or kept as an occasional treat and consumed with meals rather than between them.

Cheese

Hard cheeses are rich in calcium and phosphate, which help support strong teeth and bones. Cheese can also help neutralise acids in the mouth and stimulate saliva flow, which helps protect teeth after eating.

Pineapple

Pineapple is one of the more acidic fruits, so it can contribute to enamel erosion if eaten frequently on its own. It also contains enzymes that help break down food debris. Enjoying pineapple as part of a meal, rather than as a standalone snack, helps reduce its impact on teeth.

Carrots

Crunchy, raw carrots can help stimulate saliva and gently clean the tooth surfaces as you chew. They are also a good source of vitamin A, which supports healthy enamel and gums. Carrots are a good choice for a tooth-friendly snack between meals.

Acidity of foods and drinks

(More acidic → less acidic)

Most acidic

Soft drinks

Energy drinks

Carbonated drinks

Sweets

Milk chocolate

Citrus fruits

Fruit juices

Tomatoes

 

Moderately acidic

Corn

Peaches

Pineapple

Cherries

Apricots

Strawberries

Dark chocolate

Less acidic

White bread

Crisps

White pasta

White rice

Bananas

Apples

Pastries

 

Low acidity

Carrots

Cucumber

Broccoli

Celery

Other raw vegetables

 

Very low acidity

Milk

Plain crackers

Cheese

Nuts

Wholemeal bread

Plain yoghurt

 

Least acidic

Purified water

Distilled water

Tap water

    More information on snacking 

    These foods are more likely to affect teeth if eaten frequently between meals:

    • Sweets
    • Dried fruits
    • Citrus fruits
    • Pineapple
    • Blueberries
    • Strawberries
    • Chocolate
    • Apples

    These snacks are okay in moderation outside mealtimes:

    • Flavoured breadsticks
    • Flavoured crackers
    • Smoothies (use a straw to reduce contact with teeth)
    • Crisps
    • Bananas

    Best snacks outside mealtimes:

    • Cheese
    • Milk
    • Plain yoghurt
    • Plain crackers
    • Plain breadsticks
    • Raw vegetables
    • Children’s diets and oral health

    For children, foods rich in calcium are especially important while teeth are developing. Calcium helps strengthen teeth and bones, including the jawbone that supports the teeth.

    With good dental hygiene — brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste — teeth are generally able to cope with up to five eating or drinking occasions per day, including meals and snacks.

    For more dental hygiene advice, visit our Children’s Hygiene Hub for guidance and tips, or explore our general dental health resources to learn more.