National Smile MonthBetween 12 May and 12 June 2025, the Oral Health Foundation will raise awareness of important oral health issues. Join the nation's biggest oral health campaign and help bring a smile to millions of people. This year the theme for National Smile Month is Feed Your Smile. Find out more Take part About National Smile Month Key messages National Smile Month 2025 Our partners Your oral health Top tips How to clean your teeth Diet and your oral health Oral health & general wellbeing Statistics Feed your smile Diet and a healthy smile Top food tips Smart snacking Hydration and oral health Top dairy foods The gut health link How sugar affects your smile Acidic foods and drinks The worst foods and drinks for your teeth Take part The Smiley Things to do Activities for professionals Activities for schools Fundraising Downloads Shop Best foods for a brighter, stronger smile What you eat has a direct impact on the health and appearance of your teeth. Some foods help strengthen enamel, protect against cavities, and even naturally clean your teeth. By choosing the right foods, you can keep your smile strong, bright, and healthy for years to come. Top smile-friendly foods Dairy products Why? Rich in calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen enamel and protect against decay. Best choices: Milk, cheese, and yogurt. Cheese also helps neutralise acids in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities. Crunchy fruits & vegetables Why? High in fibre and water, they help clean teeth naturally and stimulate saliva production. Best choices: Apples, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers. These foods act like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away plaque and food particles Leafy greens Why? Packed with vitamins and minerals that support healthy gums and teeth. Best choices: Spinach, kale, and broccoli are high in calcium and folic acid, which promote gum health. Nuts & seeds Why? Provide essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus while also stimulating saliva production. Best choices: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, and sesame seeds. They help protect and remineralise enamel. Fatty fish & lean proteins Why? Rich in vitamin D and phosphorus, essential for strong teeth and bones. Best choices: Salmon, tuna, chicken, eggs, and tofu. These foods support enamel strength and reduce inflammation in the gums. Water Why? The best drink for a healthy mouth, helping to rinse away food particles and neutralise acids. Best choices: Fluoridated water strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Green & herbal teas Why? Contains polyphenols that reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. Best choices: Green tea, black tea, and chamomile tea (unsweetened). Strawberries & other vitamin C rich fruits Why? Help produce collagen, which strengthens gums and reduces inflammation. Best choices: Strawberries, oranges, kiwis, and pineapples. Because these foods are higher in sugar and acid, they are best eaten at mealtimes. Simple ways to include these foods in your diet Swap sugary snacks for crunchy fruits and veggies. Try an apple or a handful of almonds instead of a biscuit. Choose cheese or yogurt for a calcium-rich snack. Great alternatives to processed foods. Drink water throughout the day. Especially after meals to wash away acids and bacteria. Add leafy greens to meals. Toss them into smoothies, sandwiches, or salads for an easy nutrient boost. The bottom line Eating the right foods can help strengthen your teeth, protect your gums, and keep your smile looking its best. By making simple swaps and prioritising nutrient-rich foods, you can maintain a bright, healthy smile for life. Want to learn which foods to avoid? Check out our Foods to Avoid guide! Manage Cookie Preferences