Cooler days mean it’s finally time to start thinking about apple picking season. And as Apple Valley dentists, we’re particularly fond of this fall tradition! If you’re old enough to remember the adage about an apple a day and the dentist, you may have always wanted to ask: Do apples clean your teeth?
You’re in luck! Our myth-bustin’ Apple Valley dentists are here with the answer!
So, is it a Tooth Truth or a Mouth Myth that an apple a day will keep the dentist away?
This one is BOTH a Tooth Truth and a Mouth Myth, and here’s why …
Apples are Nature’s Toothbrush
Most certainly, your diet affects your dental and oral health. Vegetables and fruits are a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect teeth and gums, making an apple good for teeth in multiple ways. Apples have been called “nature’s toothbrush” because chewing their fibrous texture massages and stimulates your gums, reduces cavity-causing bacteria, and increases saliva flow. Saliva decreases acidity in your mouth, washes away food particles, and prevents a decay-causing dry mouth. Apples also contain tannins, which can aid in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
The American Dental Association also recommends a diet rich in vegetables and fruits for the prevention of oral cancers. Fruits high in ellagic acid can help in preventing oral cancer, as well as the isothiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts.
Other Benefits of Apples and Fibrous Vegetables Include:
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits rich in vitamin C also support good oral health. Individuals deficient in vitamin C may experience unhealthy and bleeding gums, leading to unstable teeth.
- Gum stimulation: Strong, healthy gums are necessary to maintain healthy teeth. Chewing fibrous and hard fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery stimulates the gums. These vegetables are also a good source of beta carotene, which your body uses to create vitamin A—a nutrient essential for building strong teeth.
- They’re a treasure chest of nutrients: Dark, leafy vegetables pack a boatload of vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium — all nutrients that support oral health. As an example of how they work together, phosphorus is stored in the teeth and bones and helps your body balance and absorb calcium and magnesium. Think spinach, cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, lettuce, collard greens, endive, kale, and mustard greens.
As you can see, eating an apple a day is excellent for maintaining your oral health—but just an apple a day isn’t going to cut it…
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
The American Dental Association recommends eating a balanced diet from the major food groups. This includes at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day to receive their full benefits.
Now, before you start eating loads of fresh fruit, know that some fruits (like apples) contain a high level of sugar and acidity, which can erode teeth if left unchecked. To counteract this effect and minimize tooth damage, try the following:
- Pair an apple with other fiber-rich foods, dairy products, or water to keep the food moving through your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth out with water for 30 seconds after you’ve eaten.
- Try to limit substituting fresh fruits with fruit juices, as these contain highly concentrated amounts of sugar and acids.
Don’t Plan on Keeping the Dentist Away for Too Long
We hope it’s not entirely your goal to “keep the dentist away!” Yes, please eat a balanced, healthy diet that promotes good oral and dental health while practicing personal dental care to help with unnecessary cavities, gum disease, and oral health problems.
But in addition to proactive, healthy eating and regular brushing and flossing, it’s still necessary to visit your dentist regularly for preventative dental services and professional dental procedures essential to maintaining a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums.
Our team helps keep tooth decay, gum disease, and preventable oral health problems away, and we ensure every visit is productive, efficient, and helpful.
Add Us to Your Busy Schedule
In the hustle and bustle of life, make sure your next dental check-up is on the calendar! If you’re new to our dental clinic blog, check out previous posts where Dr. Shelley and Dr. Bennett have busted myths, old wives’ tales, and commonly held beliefs about teeth and oral health—confirming various “Tooth Truths” and exposing “Mouth Myths.”The Dakota Dental staff is honored to serve the community of Apply Valley and surrounding Twin Cities suburbs. We love seeing you and your family grow over the years and helping your smile stay strong along the way.
Want to visit an Apple Valley dentist’s office that puts its patients first? Our office is located at:
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, Minnesota
Schedule an appointment with our Dakota Dental team today and join the family!