24 Dec Will an Apple a Day Keep the Dentist Away?
You’ve probably heard the age-old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” However, there’s an argument about whether it should refer to the dentist. Apples offer many health benefits, and studies have shown that eating whole fruits is good for your entire body. But are apples good for your teeth? Read on to learn if an apple a day can keep your dentist away, too.
Are Apples Good for Your Teeth?
Fresh fruits and vegetables are undeniably packed with health benefits. They can aid in digestion and provide your body with a host of vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet can also help prevent a decline in oral health since cavities, gum disease, and bad breath often stem from a poor diet.
Apples, in particular, have many health benefits. Although they’re sometimes called nature’s toothbrushes, this crunchy, sweet snack does not replace a real toothbrush. For a long time, it was believed that chewing apples could help clean your teeth by scraping away debris and plaque.
Does Eating Apples Clean Your Teeth?
A 2018 study found that, unfortunately, the sugar in apples might create more plaque than it removes. Tiny apple bits can get stuck to your teeth, especially between them and along the gum line. If left alone, bacteria can thrive on the apple bits, forming plaque on your teeth.
However, apples can help clean your teeth in a much more surprising way. Eating apples can help reduce bacteria in your mouth because it enables you to generate more saliva. Your saliva naturally washes away the bacteria in your mouth, protecting your teeth from cavities and your gums from infections. Saliva also helps remineralize your teeth, strengthening your enamel to help defend it from decay.
Three Tips for Good Oral Health
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
The foundation of good oral health begins with a healthy diet. Sugary, starchy, acidic, and processed foods are bad for your teeth. But eating a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods full of good nutrients will promote good overall health and healthy teeth. Foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C can all promote good oral health.
2. Daily Brushing and Flossing
Having an oral care routine that involves brushing twice daily and flossing once daily is the best way to keep your teeth shiny and healthy. Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after you eat is another great way to reduce plaque that sticks to your teeth throughout the day.
3. Twice-Yearly Dental Exams
Visiting the dentist at least twice a year will help ensure your commitment to good oral health stays on track. Using full mouth X-rays, their eyes, and their extensive knowledge, dentists can catch little problems before they become more prominent. Your dentist can help you navigate your way to a bright and healthy smile.
Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
Are apples good for your teeth? Yes, they can be, but not on their own. Even if you eat an apple every day, regularly visiting your dentist is still your best bet for keeping your smile bright. If you need dental care, Hicks Dental Group has a friendly and knowledgeable staff that is happy to assist you. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/23/22). Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash