Apples and other fruits are good for your health as part of a healthy and balanced diet. However, apples and other citrus fruits do contain high acidity, which can cause damage to your teeth, such as corrosion (if you’re not careful).
Studies on chewing apples to remove plaque are few and old, with conflicting findings. Are apples good for your teeth? Apples can actually help your teeth and keep them healthy—as long as you eat them right.
Table of Contents
What Is Erosion?
Your teeth are covered with a hard protective layer called enamel. Corrosion is caused by loss of enamel or by an acid attack, which can be caused by apples and soda. Beneath the enamel is a layer of nerves called dentin. Once the enamel wears away, the dentin becomes exposed, causing pain and sensitivity.
Are Apples Good/Bad For My Teeth?
How Is An Apple Good For My Teeth
Apples help with your teeth and overall oral hygiene. Think of it as a natural toothbrush. This succulent fiber-rich fruit helps brush your teeth, gums, and tongue. The peel of apples, in particular, is extremely high in fiber, which rubs against teeth, helping to remove stains and fight plaque.
In addition, apples are good for eliminating bad breath. This natural fiber helps to remove plaque and residue that remains on the tongue and back of the throat, which causes bad breath. The acidity of the apple helps kill any bacteria that may be causing bad breath.
How Is An Apple Bad For My Teeth
The acidic structure of apples may be harmful to teeth, the Toronto Star said in a study published in the British Journal of Dentistry. It’s true; foods with high acidity can damage the dentin in the mouth. Dentin is the layer just below the tooth enamel. The acidity of apples can erode your dentin and damage your teeth.
Plus, apples are high in sugar, and we all know how bad sugar can be for our teeth. Also, apple juice, like most juices, is also highly acidic, which is harmful to the dentin.
What To Do To Prevent Teeth From Being Damaged By Eating Apples?
If you drink water directly after eating the apples, this will help remove some of the acids, which will reduce the erosion of your teeth. You can also drink milk or eat cheese to neutralize the effects of acid attack, as they both contain calcium.
Tips:
1. Eat your apple in a single sitting. Don’t graze an apple. The longer the acid stays in the mouth, the greater the harm.
2. Eat apples and other snacks. Chewing on a piece of cheese, milk, or some bread can help neutralize the acidity of the apple. Especially if it’s a calcium-rich food.
3. After eating an apple, rinse your mouth with water. This will help release and remove the acidic elements hidden between the teeth.
4. After eating apples, wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. If you brush too fast, the sugar in the apple will rub off your enamel. Rinse with as much water as possible before brushing.
Conclusion
Apple will never hurt you if you follow these steps. For the most part, no food is harmful if you follow these steps. Proper oral hygiene through daily brushing and flossing is especially helpful. Of course, a visit to the dentist every six months for a special cleaning can save you from serious oral problems.