National Smile Month

Between 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.

Top dairy foods for oral health

What you eat plays a huge role in keeping your teeth strong and healthy.

Dairy products are some of the best smile-friendly foods out there, packed with essential nutrients that help protect enamel, strengthen teeth, and keep your mouth in top shape.

From calcium-rich milk to probiotic-packed yogurt, adding the right dairy foods to your diet can make a real difference.

Not a fan of dairy? No problem - there are plenty of non-dairy options that can still help you maintain a strong, healthy smile.

Milk

Why? High in calcium and phosphorus, milk helps remineralise teeth and neutralise acids that can lead to decay.

Best choice: unsweetened or semi-skimmed milk. Avoid flavoured or sweetened varieties, which often contain added sugars.

Cheese

Why? Cheese stimulates saliva production, helping to wash away harmful bacteria and acids. It also contains casein, a protein that helps repair enamel.

Best choice: hard cheeses like cheddar, swiss, or parmesan are especially good for strengthening teeth.

Yoghurt

Why? Packed with calcium and probiotics, yoghurt supports both teeth and gum health by promoting good bacteria in the mouth.

Best choice: plain, unsweetened yoghurt. Flavoured yoghurts can contain high amounts of sugar.

Non-dairy calcium sources

If you’re lactose intolerant or don't eat dairy, you can still get plenty of calcium from other sources.

Leafy greens

For example spinach, kale, and bok choy.

Nuts and seeds

For example almonds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds.

Fish with edible bones

For example sardines and canned salmon.

Always check the label to see if any bones are edible or should be removed.

A graphic illustrating milk flying through the air

Fortified plant-based milk

For example almond, soy, and oat milk with added calcium.

Check the labels to see which vitamins and minerals have been added to your preferred plant milk.

How to include more calcium in your diet

Have a glass of milk with meals instead of sugary drinks.

Snack on cheese cubes or yoghurt instead of biscuits or crisps.

Add leafy greens to salads and smoothies.

Choose calcium-fortified plant-based options if you avoid dairy.

The bottom line

Dairy products are a powerful ally for your smile, providing the calcium, phosphorus, and proteins needed to strengthen enamel and fight tooth decay.

Whether you choose milk, cheese, or yoghurt, making calcium-rich foods a regular part of your diet is one of the best ways to protect your teeth for life.

Want more tips on smile-friendly nutrition? Check out our best foods for teeth guide!

Latest

World Oral Health Day: How your oral health impacts your mental wellbeing

20 MAR 25 - Your mouth, body, and mind are all connected, and looking after your oral health is a key part of looking after yourself. Let’s explore how a healthy smile can help you feel happier and healthier.
NHS England reform must prioritise dentistry

14 MAR 2025 - Dr Nigel Carter responds to Keir Starmer’s announcement to abolish NHS England.
No Smoking Day: Take back your life 2025

12 MAR 2025 - This year, No Smoking Day takes place on Wednesday 12th March, the theme for No Smoking Day this year is ‘Take back your life this No Smoking Day’.
New NHS Dental Charges from April 2025

It has been announced that as of 1st April 2025, there will be a price increase in England for NHS dental treatment.

The connection between gut health and oral health

A balanced diet, rich in probiotics and nutrients, supports both gut and oral health, helping reduce the risk of gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
Acidic foods and drinks: what you need to know

Regular consumption of acidic foods and drinks can weaken enamel, leading to sensitivity and decay, but simple habits can help protect your teeth from long-term damage.
Snack smart: healthy alternatives to sugary treats

Making smart snack choices can help protect your teeth from decay, strengthen enamel, and keep your smile healthy - without giving up delicious treats.
The role of hydration in oral health

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining oral health, as drinking water helps wash away food particles, neutralise acids, prevent dry mouth, and strengthen teeth, ultimately promoting a fresher breath and healthier smile.
How sugar affects your smile

Sugar, including hidden sugars in everyday foods, weakens enamel and contributes to cavities and gum disease; reducing sugar intake and being mindful of food labels can help protect your teeth.
The worst foods and drinks for your teeth

Certain foods and drinks, including sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, and acidic fruits, can harm your teeth by weakening enamel and causing cavities; making smarter choices and following protective habits can help preserve your oral health.
Best foods for a brighter, stronger smile

Eating nutrient-rich foods like dairy, crunchy fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and fatty fish can strengthen your teeth, protect gums, and keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.
The link between diet and a healthy smile

A balanced diet rich in key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining strong teeth, healthy gums, and a beautiful smile, while poor eating habits can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

What to do following an extraction

General advice about what to do after having teeth taken out. Includes what precautions you should take and things to avoid.
Mouth ulcers

Usually red or yellow in colour, mouth ulcers are painful sores that can appear inside the mouth and also on the outer lips.
Burning mouth syndrome

Burning Mouth Syndrome can be an extremely uncomfortable condition which can have several potential causes.
Geographic tongue

Geographic tongue is a common condition which can appear on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface.
How to spot mouth cancer

How much do you know about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer? By being Mouthaware you can make a difference in the fight against mouth cancer.
Bridges and partial dentures

These replacement options for missing teeth are often recommended for oral health purposes as well as cosmetic appearance.
What foods and drinks contain acid and why it spells trouble for our oral health

10 JUNE 19 - As part of National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation and GSK have come together to discuss the threat acidic foods and drinks pose to our oral health.
Wisdom teeth

The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth, often between 17 and 25 but sometime many years later.
Jaw problems and headaches

If you jaw and teeth are not lined up correctly it will not only affect your bite but could result in severe headaches and jaw pain.
Sugar free chewing gum

Chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums in between meals when it may not be possible to brush with a toothbrush.