Most people love eating fruits! They’re juicy and sweet, and their high vitamin C content make them specifically good choices for both your dental and overall health. Some fruits, however, have a high acid content and can also be damaging to the enamel of your teeth. While no fruit will ever replace the need of regular brushing & flossing, there are some that are surprisingly healthy for your teeth.
Apples
An apple a day, keeps the doctor away! Apples have long been considered “nature’s toothbrush” because their thick skin and fibrous flesh are just the right texture for the natural brushing of the teeth. Chewing the fibrous texture of the fruit and its skin can stimulate your gums, reduce cavity-causing bacteria and increase saliva flow. Like other crisp, raw vegetables and fruits, apples can also gently remove plaque trapped between teeth. Apples contain about 15% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, which helps keep your gums healthy. Without this vitamin, your gums become more vulnerable to infection, bleeding and gum disease. If you have periodontal disease, a lack of vitamin C increases bleeding and swelling. The acidity in an apple also helps kill off bad bacteria that encourages bad breath.
Kiwi
You may be surprised to learn that Kiwi is a berry instead of a citrus fruit! Brown on the outside but a tropical, bright green within, kiwis hold fibre and calcium, both known to benefit your oral health. Calcium neutralizes damaging acids and helps strengthen your enamel’s defence. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and the first line of defence your teeth have against cavities. If you don’t get enough Vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums will start to deteriorate. Therefore, your gums become softer and more susceptible to disease-causing bacteria. One kiwi fruit serving alone will go beyond satisfying your recommended vitamin C daily intake.
Strawberries
Strawberries are known to be great for your both dental and overall health. Low in calories, rich in antioxidants, high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals including folate, potassium, dietary fibre and magnesium, they are part of a healthy diet. Strawberries do have the ability to brighten your smile, as they contain the tooth-whitening enzyme called malic acid. A half cup of strawberries –4 and 6 berries – will provide you with 70% of your daily requirement of vitamin C, which is a dental super mineral!
However, eating a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables does not mean you are off the hook when it comes to oral hygiene! No matter your diet, it is critical to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, to floss between your teeth at least once a day, and to visit us every six months for a professional dental check-up. Contact us at 800-DRJOY(37569) to book your appointment with our expert Dental Hygienists or click here
