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 The link between diet and a healthy smile What you eat plays a huge role in the health of your teeth and gums. A balanced diet packed with essential nutrients helps keep your smile strong, while poor food choices can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion. Understanding how nutrition affects your oral health is key to maintaining a confident, healthy smile for life. How diet affects your teeth and gums Every time you eat or drink, your mouth goes through a cycle that can either protect or damage your teeth. Here’s how: Acid attacks: Sugary and starchy foods fuel bacteria in your mouth, producing acids that weaken enamel and cause cavities. Nutrient deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can make gums more prone to infection and slow down the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue. Saliva production: A healthy diet stimulates saliva, which washes away food particles, neutralises acids, and helps remineralise enamel. Key nutrients for a healthy smile To keep your teeth and gums in top shape, make sure your diet includes: Calcium & phosphorus Why? It strengthens enamel and protects against erosion. Found in: Dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt), leafy greens, almonds, tofu, and fish. Vitamin D Why? It helps the body absorb calcium, reducing the risk of weak or brittle teeth. Found in: Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy products, and sunlight exposure. Vitamin C Why? It supports gum health and helps prevent gum disease. Found in: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli. Fibre & crunchy foods Why? It stimulates saliva production and naturally cleans teeth. Found in: Apples, carrots, celery, nuts, and whole grains. Water Why? It keeps your mouth hydrated, flushes away food particles, and prevents dry mouth. Best choice: Plain water, especially fluoridated water. Eating habits for a healthier smile Limit snacking: Frequent eating gives bacteria more chances to produce harmful acids. Choose whole foods: Processed foods often contain hidden sugars and acids that damage teeth. Rinse after meals: Drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum can help clean your mouth between meals. Eat a variety of nutrients: A well-balanced diet keeps your whole body – and your mouth – in peak condition. The bottom line Your diet is just as important for your smile as your overall health. By making smart food choices and prioritising key nutrients, you can keep your teeth strong, your gums healthy, and your smile shining. Want to learn more about smile-friendly foods? Check out our Best Foods for Teeth guide! Manage Cookie Preferences