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Do you ever wonder if all of your healthy eating also provides nutrients for your teeth? Fortunately, there’s a multitude of overall health benefits to eating fresh, orgainic fruits and vegetables as a large part of a balanced diet. You should beware, however, that certain fruits and vegetables can cause damage to your tooth enamel. Highly acidic fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges can demineralize protective enamel, resulting in acid erosion over time. This opens the door for cavities. Vitamin C is a nutrient which can promote healthy gums, but many fruits rich in Vitamin C aren’t necessarily the best for overall oral health because of acid. The Temecula dentists at The Oasis Family Dental will highlight the benefits of eating particular fruits and vegetables on a regular basis.

Fruits which Benefit Oral Health

Although many fruits are high in sugar content, there are still many sweet parts of your grocery store produce section associated with plenty of health benefits. Firm, crunchy fruits such as pears are proven to actually reduce the acidity of plaque. According to one South African study, plaque became less acidic after participants consumed the fruit. Furthermore, pears and apples stimulate salivary output. Increased saliva production aids in washing away excess food particles and can also act as a buffer between acids and teeth.

Vegetables which Benefit Oral Health

Many vegetables provide nutrients and vitamins which are useful in fighting disease and infection. However, broccoli is proven to benefit teeth in a profound way. According to a recent study published in the European Journal of Dentistry, broccoli can reduce the rate at which enamel erodes teeth if it is eaten before consuming a highly acidic food or beverage.The study produced dramatic results: enamel erodes at one half of the normal rate when broccoli is eaten immediately before drinking something acidic, such as a soda. If you plan on indulging in a sweet, sugary pop, why not steam some broccoli first?

Visit your Temecula Dentists

If you would like to find out more information about the connection between diet and oral health, we have answers. The Oasis Family Dental provides comprehensive dental care for our patients of all ages. Contact our 92591 dental office by calling (951) 695-2290 to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from Temecula and all surrounding communities.