An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? While apples certainly have many health benefits, have you ever wondered what eating an apple a day will do for your need to visit the dentist?
Just like you shouldn’t completely avoid your doctor even if you eat an apple every day, you’ll still need to visit your dentist occasionally. In fact you’ll still need to visit your dentist every six months to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed without a dentist’s specialized tools. But still, there are a few dental benefits provided by something as simple as eating an apple—or other crunchy fruits and vegetables.
Do you know why your dentist generally recommends that you avoiding sweet food? It’s because sweet foods generally lead to acid, which weakens your enamel. However, apples are different. While they are sweet, the motion of chewing them produces saliva. This is important because saliva carries away bacteria and food particles. Typically, both bad breath and tooth decay are caused by bacteria and food particles. In other words, chewing an apple can hold off tooth decay, cavities, and improve your breath. Eating an apple can also stimulate your gums, which promotes their health.
Please remember that even though chewing on an apple will remove bacteria and food particles, doing so will not replace the need to brush your teeth and floss. But, if you are interested in an extra way to protect your smile, an apple may be a sound option.
To learn more about how you can prevent tooth decay and bad breath—or to schedule an appointment with us—please feel free to contact us. We’re excited to hear from you soon.