Quality of Food

To prevent tooth decay, a healthy diet is recommended. According to the Swiss Dental Association (SSO), there are certain enamel ‘superfoods’ (and drinks) that can have a protective effect on teeth:

Water

Drinking water after consuming something acidic rinses away the acids and neutralises the pH of the mouth, thereby counteracting demineralisation
Salivary flow depends on the water content of the body, so the more water one drinks, the more saliva they will have to buffer the pH of their mouth

Tea

Catechins in tea inhibit the formation of plaque, and therefore cavities
Both green and black tea possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Black tea also contains fluoride

Fish and crustaceans

Both are natural sources of fluoride
Both provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids (which have been linked to periodontal health)

Cheese

Casein in cheese has anti-cariogenic properties by inhibiting bacteria and promoting remineralisation
Cheese is also a high source of calcium, which is one of the most important minerals in bones and teeth

Vegetables (probiotics)

Dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and leek have a high calcium content
Raw vegetables...
- Contain essential vitamins and minerals
- Stimulate salivary flow
- Contain no simple sugars

Wholemeal bread

Stimulates salivary flow
Contains no simple sugars

Nuts

Have a high calcium content
Particularly beneficial are peanuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts

Foods that should be avoided include sweets, biscuits, white bread, crisps, bananas and dried fruit. These all contain simple sugars that feed acidogenic bacteria. This issue is worsened when foods that stick to the teeth are eaten, as they’re hard to remove. Food like crisps hang around in crevices, prolonging bacterial metabolism and therefore sustaining the pH of the mouth below the critical level for longer.

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