Healthy teeth come not only from brushing but also from a diet with enough nutrients. Calcium, vitamin D and protein all help protect enamel and the jaw bone.
- Calcium, vitamin D and protein help protect enamel, gums and the jaw bone.
- Milk, yoghurt, small fish, eggs and leafy greens are helpful foods.
- Limit sweets, sugary drinks and snacking many times a day.
- Nutrition cannot replace daily brushing and regular check ups.
Enamel is the hardest part of the body, but it cannot renew itself the way bone does. A diet with enough nutrients helps protect enamel, gums and the jaw bone, especially in growing children and older adults. However, nutrition cannot replace daily brushing and regular dental check ups.
Nutrients teeth need
- Calcium: the main building material of enamel and the jaw bone, found in milk, yoghurt, cheese, small fish eaten with their bones, tofu and dark leafy greens.
- Vitamin D: helps the body absorb calcium, and comes from morning sunlight, oily fish and eggs.
- Protein: needed for gums and the tissue around teeth, found in meat, fish, eggs and beans.
- Vitamin C: helps keep gums healthy, found in citrus fruit, kiwi, guava and greens, see vitamin C and gums.
- Water: keeps the mouth moist and rinses food away.
Habits to avoid
- Frequent sugary drinks and milk tea, see whether milk tea and sugary drinks harm teeth.
- Snacking on sweet, sticky food many times a day.
- Using the teeth to bite hard objects or open bottles.
An example day of eating for healthy teeth
- Breakfast with plain yoghurt or milk, together with oats or fruit.
- Main meals with protein, green vegetables and a portion of starch.
- Snacks of cheese, sliced fresh fruit or unsweetened nuts if your teeth chew well.
- Drink enough water, preferably plain water.
When should you see a dentist?
If your teeth are often sensitive, your gums bleed or you notice unusual spots on a tooth, have a check up even when you eat well. See also how often to have a dental check up and everyday habits that harm teeth.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can advise on care that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Does low calcium make teeth weak?
Calcium is needed for enamel and the jaw bone, but weak teeth usually have several causes such as decay, poor hygiene and eating habits. Getting enough calcium is one part of dental care.
What does vitamin D do for teeth?
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which helps keep teeth and the jaw bone healthy.
Can a good diet replace brushing?
No. Nutrition supports teeth, but you still need to brush daily, clean between the teeth and attend regular check ups.