Summer Fruits and Your Teeth

Summer has finally arrived and brought with it a plethora of fruits that are just now coming into season.  This includes fruits such as apricots, blackberries, limes, grapefruit, strawberries, etc.  But what many people don’t realize is that although not as dangerous to dental health as candy and certain other foods, some of these fruits can contribute to tooth decay.  Specifically, citrus fruits because they are acidic can erode enamel which makes teeth more susceptible to decay in the long term.  Citrus fruits can also irritate mouth sores making an already painful condition feel worse.  This is why experts recommend brushing, flossing or rinsing after eating these otherwise healthy fruits.

However, the news is not all bad when it comes to summer fruit and its impact on dental health.  For example, some studies show that orange juice has the least deleterious effect on dental health as well as the fact that it contains minerals and vitamins such as calcium and vitamin D that benefit teeth.  Moreover, crisp fruit – such as apples and pears – actually stimulates saliva production which reduces bacteria that are harmful to teeth.  Apples also contain malic acid which is a chemical used in many teeth whitening products.  Lastly, bananas which are chocked full of tooth friendly minerals such as potassium, magnesium and manganese also help to whiten teeth.  In short, while is it obvious that we should all avoid foods such as soda and candy, what is less obvious to some is that we should also maintain a stringent program of dental hygiene even when eating healthy foods.  Family Dental Health Plans can give you access to a network of dentists that can further educate you on how to establish and maintain healthy dental habits.