5 Non-dairy, Calcium-rich Foods For Your Teeth

Caring for your teeth means more than brushing and cleaning between them every day. It also means paying attention to the foods you eat.

One of the most important nutrients for healthy teeth is calcium. Calcium strengthens the hard outer shell of your tooth called enamel, which is your teeth’s defense against erosion and cavities. To protect your teeth and get the 1,000-2,000 mg daily recommended amount of calcium, many people turn to dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt.

If you’re lactose intolerant or need to limit dairy, there are a number of foods that can still give you the calcium you need. Calcium is found naturally in some foods, while others – such as juice, tofu and even waffles – are now fortified with added calcium.

Here are some non-dairy options from the USDA Food Composition Database to help keep your body and smile strong.

Orange juice with added calcium

Oranges naturally have a bit of calcium, but many varieties of orange juice (already a top source of vitamin C) now come fortified with calcium. For example, frozen orange juice from concentrate with added calcium contains 1514 mg of calcium per cup. That’s your daily recommendation in just one glass! Juice, however, can be high in sugar, so drink it in moderation.

Canned sardines (569 mg per cup) and salmon (241 mg per cup) can do a body good – if you eat the bones. The bones are where most of the calcium resides. Because the bones are soft, you can mash and serve them so they’re undetectable in many dishes. Create a spread to serve on toast or make fish cakes. And if you like whole sardines or chunks of salmon, add them to salads. And if you’re thinking pizza – anchovies, anyone?

Beans fuel you with protein, fiber and plenty of vitamins and minerals, in addition to being a solid source of calcium. In just one cup, soybeans deliver 515 mg of calcium, white beans bring 485 mg and kidney beans clock in with 359 mg. Eat them roasted or steamed, whip them into a dip or add them to soups or salads.

At 246 mg of calcium per cup, almonds are a great snack that contain healthy fats, fiber, magnesium and vitamin E. Reach for a handful as an afternoon snack instead of something sweet, and you’ll feel full till dinnertime!