The 3 Best Fruits for Your Teeth
Consuming one or two apples per day is harmless and may even strengthen your smile. Here are the best fruits for your teeth, according to a dentist.
The Healthiest
If you want a beautiful smile, you undoubtedly know you shouldn't be scurrying to the pantry throughout the day to grab handfuls of candy. Fortunately, there are healthier munchies with health benefits. Among them is fruit.
The 3 Best Fruits for your teeth
1. Fruits That Don't Stick to Your Teeth
Apples, pears, and grapes are the best fruits for your pearly whites because they don't adhere to your teeth, according to Nammy Patel, DDS, of Green Dentistry in San Francisco. "As long as the food doesn't stick to your teeth, you're fine," she explains.
Bananas are an example of a fruit that will adhere to your teeth, according to Dr. Patel. The presence of food in the crevices and spaces between teeth provides oral bacteria with food to flourish, which can increase your risk for tooth decay and cavities.
She claims that these fruits do not truly clean your teeth. Therefore, they cannot remove plaque that has formed or already exists during the day. You must use your trusted toothbrush to thoroughly clean your teeth.
2. Fruits That Keep You Full
Apples and pears are also excellent for your health due to their high fiber content. According to the USDA, a medium apple contains 5 grams of fiber and a medium pear contains 6 grams of fiber. And fiber is a master at keeping you satisfied.
"When you consume satiating foods, you are less likely to snack throughout the day," explains Dr. Patel. She explains that this maintains the pH of your mouth lower, resulting in fewer cavities.
While grapes will not adhere to your teeth, they lack fiber. One cup of grapes contains only one gram of fiber. You know your body and what foods make you feel full the best, but apples and pears may be more effective than other fruits at keeping you full.
The most tooth-healthy dietary pattern? "Eating three meals per day and two apples for snacks is preferable to grazing all day," says Dr. Patel.
Also read: Top 4 important types of exercise
3. Fruits That Combat Gum Inflammation
One unexpected advantage of consuming more fruits like apples and pears is that they may improve periodontal health.
But, you argue, fruit contains sugar — it's called nature's treat for a reason. Wouldn't that be detrimental to your oral health?
So, consider this: In a randomized study published in January 2018 in BDJ Open, 30 healthy participants were divided into two groups. One added fruit while the other added nuts to their nutrition.
In spite of the fact that those in the fruit group consumed more fructose (a form of sugar found in fruit) than those in the nut group, their gums became healthier over the course of the two-month study.
It may have something to do with the micronutrients in these foods, as previous research indicates that consuming fruits and vegetables is linked to stronger gums.
Here are some disclaimers: First, 30 participants is a tiny sample size, and the results will need to be replicated with a larger sample size. Second, they were urged to consume large quantities of each fruit. Similar to seven pears for a 140-pound individual. It is unlikely that you consume that much food at home.
Still, consuming one or two apples per day is harmless and may even strengthen your smile.
