We’ve all heard the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and it could apply to dentists, too. While we definitely don’t want you to skip your checkups, we do want you to make better choices for your oral health. Changing the way you snack and eating more healthy foods can help you prevent cavities and enamel loss. Here’s our list of the five best foods for keeping your teeth strong.
(And yes, apples do make the cut.)
Five Foods for Good Dental Health
1: Apples
Fibrous fruits like apples are great for teeth for two important reasons: they help clean your teeth and they stimulate saliva production. The hard-packed fibers of an apple are great at scraping plaque from the surface of a tooth. (Maybe not as good as some of our dental tools, but good enough to make brushing later on a little easier.) Removing plaque helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, and saliva production helps wash away food particles and bad bacteria.
2: Cheese
Cheese is low in sugar, high in calcium, and typically contains casein, a protein that can help strengthen your tooth enamel. Choosing snacks like cheese that are low in sugar can help prevent bacteria growth and plaque buildup. And foods that are rich in calcium and casein can help prevent cavities by rebuilding lost enamel.
3: Spinach
While the ‘Popeye’ cartoon never told us, eating spinach does more than help you build your muscles. Leafy greens contain vast amounts of calcium, which will ensure you maintain strong teeth and bone density. Crunching through a salad full of raw leafy greens can also help you clean your teeth, although not as well as a crunchy apple or our next food…
4: Carrots
Crunchy carrots and other fresh veggies like celery are great for teeth. Along with scraping away plaque with every bite, they are also packed with nutrients that can help you avoid gum disease. Carrots specifically are packed with vitamin C and calcium, both of which help you keep your teeth strong.
5: Legumes
We know it’s a broad category, but all legumes—including peas, beans, and lentils—are high in phosphorus. This essential mineral works alongside calcium to help strengthen your tooth enamel. However, you don’t want to eat beans every day. Legumes can cause a buildup of phytic acid, which hinders the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
The Link Between Diet and Oral Health
Your body’s systems are all interconnected, so making sure you eat healthy foods can help you have better oral health. Likewise, maintaining good oral health can help you stay healthy, both mentally and physically. Eating a healthy diet means getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. If dental problems or sensitive teeth are keeping you from enjoying crunchy fruits and veggies, it’s time to make an appointment.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Flagstaff, Arizona
Eating healthy foods that are good for your teeth is a great start, but you also need regular dental exams and cleanings. Here at Country Club Dental, it is our priority to provide you with the best, most affordable dental care. Our very own Dr. Paul Whitney is here to help you keep your smile healthy. Contact us to make an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/29/25). Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
