Healthy teeth start with your diet, but are you giving your dental health the consideration that it deserves when doing your weekly shop?
Not to worry - the start of a new year is the perfect time to start fresh. So, now that the turkey has been eaten, the mince pies have been pilfered, and the box of Quality Street is full of wrappers, it’s time to make the healthier choice for your teeth with these New Year's resolutions.
Better habits for healthy teeth
What we put into our mouths is just as important for our teeth as it is for our health, but last year, the Oral Health Foundation revealed that just 15% of UK adults consider how their food and drink choices affect their teeth.
We all know that a balanced diet fuels our bodies, provides us with energy, and keeps us healthy, and the same is true for our teeth. The right foods will protect teeth and gums and keep your mouth healthy, whilst the wrong ones will:
● Erode tooth enamel away.
● Cause tooth decay and loss.
● Stain teeth.
● Result in bad breath.
● Increase the risk of gum disease.
And much more. The majority of these issues are not simply dental health concerns; they have a huge impact on wider health, with gum disease alone being linked to heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and even rheumatoid arthritis.
Put caring for your dental health at the top of your 2026 priorities list and make the right choice for your whole body this year with these healthier food choices.
Damaging foods to avoid
Most foods contain hidden sugars and acids, but these are the biggest threats to your oral health. Keep an eye out for them and limit their inclusion in your diet.
Acidic drinks: Drinks with a high level of sugar and acidity (think fizzy drinks and alcohol, but also coffees, protein drinks, and sugary milkshakes) will wear away the protective enamel on your teeth.
Sugary foods: We all know that sugary foods cause tooth decay and gum disease, but you might not know that this is caused by the bacteria in your mouth breaking down the sugar. The less sugar on your teeth, the better!
Starchy and salty snacks: As refined carbohydrates are broken down in your mouth this process creates acid as a byproduct, whilst salt dries out your mouth and reduces the protection that your saliva gives your teeth.
Foods that support oral health
Keep your teeth strong and healthy this year by switching up your diet to include more of the following.
Dairy products: Milk, cheese and natural yoghurt without any added sugars all contain plenty of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are essential for the maintenance of strong tooth enamel.
Fruits and vegetables: Any fruits or vegetables that have essential vitamins and nutrients, especially Vitamin A, D, and C, will contribute to dental health and should be at the top of your shopping list.
Lean proteins: It may sound surprising, but healthy amounts of protein are good for your teeth and gums, so prioritise lean meat and fish for all the Vitamin D and omega-3 acids that your teeth need.
Better habits for healthy teeth
As well as rethinking your diet, here are a few daily habits to make sure that you are getting enough of the good stuff and less of the bad.
Cut down on sugar: Go for sugar-free snacks or tooth-friendly alternatives like nuts and fresh fruit.
Limit snacking: Try to snack less and keep it to a set time e.g. after an evening meal, rather than a few times throughout the day.
Drink water: Wash down acidic foods and drinks and stimulate saliva production by having at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Visit Dentalia: Around 13.5 million adults in the UK are currently living with untreated tooth decay. Make sure that you are not one of them by attending regular dental checkups to catch the early signs of enamel erosion.
Book an appointment today
Healthy teeth, healthy gums, healthy body!
Start 2026 as you mean to go on by booking your first appointment of the year with us today or find out all about our Dental Membership Plans here.
