6 Autumn Foods That Are Great for Your Teeth

There is so much to love about fall, especially the bounty of delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables it brings.

From apples to pumpkins, many of autumn’s favorite foods are filled with vitamins and nutrients that also boast dental benefits. So, you can enjoy their crunch and flavor knowing that they are as good for your teeth — and body — as your taste buds.

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Fall Favorites to Sink Your Teeth Into

Apples

Apple picking is a favorite activity this time of year. You may even end up with more than you know what to do with! Long described as nature’s toothbrush, apples have a cleansing effect on teeth. Chewing apples stimulates saliva production, helping to wash away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. The texture of apples also helps remove plaque buildup. Of course, eating apples does not replace brushing and flossing. Apple beverages are also not a suitable substitute for the real thing when it comes to dental benefits, as they could contain a lot of sugar.

Carrots

These orange beauties are a major source of vitamin A, which helps maintain tooth enamel and gum health. Chewing raw carrots also triggers saliva flow, which helps to wash leftover food away from teeth.

Celery

Rich in fiber and water, eating a celery snack can make it easier to remove food particles from between the teeth afterward. Celery is also high in vitamin C, which prevents gum disease. 

Cheese

Cheese is bursting with calcium and phosphates, which strengthen tooth enamel and maintains strong teeth. Eating cheese also helps to neutralize the acid in your mouth that appears after eating, which over time can erode tooth enamel. Cheddar, Swiss and mozzarella are especially high in calcium and generate more saliva.

Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin is so much more than a pie ingredient or a carving canvas. Like carrots, it is packed with vitamin A, which supports healthy gums and helps maintain strong tooth enamel. It also contains magnesium and calcium, both essential for strengthening enamel. And don’t toss the seeds! Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, zinc and protein — nutrients that help fight plaque buildup and support overall oral health. For a cozy, tooth-friendly meal, try homemade pumpkin soup topped with toasted seeds.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, another vibrant orange veggie rich in vitamin A, are also packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support healthy gums. Enjoy them baked, roasted or mashed .

What to Avoid

Of course, fall is also known for tempting foods that are not so great for your teeth. Try to resist sneaking too much of your kid’s Halloween candy and choose more of these fruits and veggies as treats instead.

Pair your healthy habits with routine dental care and you’ll be smiling all year long.

Sign up for an affordable dental plan from Delta Dental of Rhode Island to help you and your family maximize your oral health.

Ellen R. Delisio

Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.