24 Dec Will an Apple a Day Keep the Dentist Away?
Most people have heard the proverb, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And there’s an argument as to whether it should actually refer to the dentist. Apples have many health benefits, and studies have shown that eating whole fruits is good for your whole 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 have a host of health benefits. They can aid in digestion and provide your body with a host of vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet can help prevent a decline in oral health, as well, since cavities, gum disease, and bad breath often stem from a poor diet.
Apples have many health benefits as well. Although they’re sometimes called nature’s toothbrushes, this crunchy, sweet snack is not a replacement for a real toothbrush. For a long time, it was believed that apples would scrape your teeth when you eat them, cleaning your teeth as you chew.
Does Eating Apples Actually Clean Your Teeth?
A 2018 study found that, unfortunately, the sugar in apples might create more plaque. Bits of apple can get stuck to your teeth, especially in between them and along the gum line. If left alone, bacteria can feed on the apple and plaque will start to form on your teeth.
However, apples can help clean your teeth in a much more surprising way—by reducing bacteria in your mouth. When you eat an apple, it helps you generate more saliva. Your saliva naturally washes away the bacteria in your mouth, protecting your teeth from cavities and your gums from infections.
Three Tips for Good Oral Health
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Sugary, starchy, acidic, and processed foods are all bad for your teeth. But eating a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods full of good nutrients will promote good health as well as 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 a day and flossing once a day is the best way to keep your teeth shiny and your mouth healthy. Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after you eat is another great way to reduce the amount of plaque that sticks to your teeth throughout the day.
3. Twice-Yearly Dental Exams
Visiting the dentist at least twice a year will help you make sure 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 bigger ones. 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 a day, a visit to your dentist is your best bet for keeping your smile bright. If you need dental care, Hicks Dental Group has the friendliest and knowledgeable staff in the area. 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