Apples can act like toothbrushes due to their fiber-rich flesh. | Emerald Coast Dentistry (2024)

Did you know Apples can clean your teeth when a toothbrush isn’t handy?
We’ve all heard the expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But perhaps that should be changed to dentist. In addition to being good for your health, apples are also quite good for your teeth. In fact, if you find yourself without a toothbrush, an apple can fill in nicely.

Apples actually act like toothbrushes because of their fiber-rich flesh. This works like a scrub on not only your teeth, but your tongue and gums as well. An apple can also help remove food particles that are hiding out between your teeth and sticking to your gums.

As well as cleaning your teeth, because they are mildly acidic and slightly astringent, apples can also help get rid of plaque and stains. On top of that, apples can freshen breath. Is there nothing this super fruit can’t do? The next time you have an after lunch meeting and forgot your toothbrush, head down to the cafeteria and grab an apple instead.

Apples can act like toothbrushes due to their fiber-rich flesh. | Emerald Coast Dentistry (2024)

FAQs

Apples can act like toothbrushes due to their fiber-rich flesh. | Emerald Coast Dentistry? ›

Apples actually act like toothbrushes because of their fiber-rich flesh. This works like a scrub on not only your teeth, but your tongue and gums as well. An apple can also help remove food particles that are hiding out between your teeth and sticking to your gums.

Do apples act as a toothbrush? ›

Conclusions. Chewing an apple does not remove dental plaque, and may favor plaque regrowth during the first 24 hours, but it does produce an immediate reduction in salivary bacterial viability similar to that after tooth brushing.

Why do they call an apple nature's toothbrush? ›

Apples are nature's toothbrush.

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.

What fruit is a natural toothbrush? ›

Apples and the teeth--"nature's toothbrush" reappraised. - PMC.

Are apples actually good for your teeth? ›

That's right - according to some experts, eating an apple can actually help remove plaque from your teeth and gums. The reason is that apples contain a type of acid called malic acid, which has been shown to be effective in breaking down plaque and potentially whiten tooth enamel .

Is an apple a good toothbrush? ›

Apples actually act like toothbrushes because of their fiber-rich flesh. This works like a scrub on not only your teeth, but your tongue and gums as well. An apple can also help remove food particles that are hiding out between your teeth and sticking to your gums.

Can apple replace toothbrush? ›

Apples are not nature's toothbrush.

Don't forego brushing your teeth just because apples are a healthy part of a balanced diet. There are also downsides to apples. Are apples bad for your teeth? Apples are bad for your teeth because of their sugar and acid content.

Do apples whiten teeth? ›

Apples contain the same malic acids as strawberries, which help remove teeth stains to give you a whiter smile. In addition to teeth whitening, apples also provide the dental benefit of strengthening your gums due to their crunchiness.

Why do people say an apple a day keeps the dentist away? ›

Apples also contain tannins, another polyphenol that will make your dentist smile. These tannins have anti-sticky properties that may inhibit the bacteria in your mouth from interacting with your teeth and reducing the buildup of nasty dental plaque.

What foods are good for cleansing teeth? ›

Crisp fruits and raw vegetables, like apples, carrots and celery, help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath. Many fruits and vegetable contain lots of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, that help protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection.

What is the healthiest thing to brush your teeth with? ›

Use a fluoride toothpaste

This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth. Purchase fluoride toothpaste here.

Does celery clean your teeth? ›

Celery is rich in vitamins A and C – nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel. Chewing celery helps produce more saliva in your mouth, preventing plaque. Eating celery can help keep your teeth naturally clean. According to a new study, celery juice helps reverse tooth decay and receding gums.

Does cucumber clean teeth? ›

Cucumbers are also high in fiber and because they are crunchy, they actually scrub your teeth. Having a high water content also helps coat your mouth so it doesn't dry out. Chewing on cucumbers will produce saliva to help wash away any bad bacteria in your mouth.

Can I eat an apple instead of brushing my teeth? ›

Apples can act like toothbrushes because of their fiber-rich flesh. This works like a scrub on not only your teeth, but your tongue and gums as well. An apple can also help remove food particles that are hiding out between your teeth and sticking to your gums.

Can you eat apples before bed? ›

Make a fruit salad with a variety of fruits, such as apples, grapefruit, and bananas, to incorporate more sources of potassium and vitamin C before bedtime. If you are feeling a bit hungry, apples are a great low GI snack. Low GI foods like apples may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve sleep quality.

Is eating apples every day good for you? ›

After all, an apple a day is a healthier way. Apples may lower your chance of developing cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Research says apples may also help you lose weight while improving your gut and brain health. Did you know apples are the most widely consumed fruit globally?

How long after eating an apple can I brush my teeth? ›

Brushing immediately after consuming something acidic can damage the enamel layer of the tooth. Waiting about 30 minutes before brushing allows tooth enamel to remineralize and build itself back up.

Do apples clean dogs' teeth? ›

Yes, apples are a fantastic addition to your dog's diet. They provide vitamin A, vitamin C and dietary fibre. They also provide a way to keep your dog's teeth clean and can help freshen their breath. But before you feed apples to your dog, always remove the core and the seeds.

Do apples help with bad breath? ›

Apples. Not only will the crunch help remove plaque from your teeth, but it will also help your mouth generate more saliva, which is a natural way to battle bad breath. Munch on a whole apple for the best type of "fast food," or slice and pair one with a yogurt peanut butter dip, for double bad breath fighting action.

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