A historic advertisement aimed at promoting oral care products has long associated the bite of an apple with the concept of health and beauty of teeth. But can apples really be valuable allies for the health of our teeth?
In this regard, some details are very important; in the advertisement in question, for example, a green and crunchy apple (presumably of the granny smith variety) was used, eaten with the peel.
This type of apple is characterized by a lower sugar content than other varieties; moreover, if consumed still unripe, its sugar content is lower than that of the ripe fruit.
The consumption of the apple with the skin is also very important; in fact, just like the bristles of the toothbrush and the dental floss, during chewing the apple peel contributes to the mechanical cleansing of the dental and periodontal apparatus.
Another characteristic of the green apple is the high concentration of malic acid, responsible for the sour taste of the fruit. Like all acidic substances, malic acid helps whiten teeth; however, it can also cause damage to the surface of the enamel and the underlying dentine, which can create some problems for people with sensitive and poorly mineralized teeth. However, it should be added that apples are often referred to as foods with a moderate fluorine content, a well-known mineral with a preventive effect against the fragility of enamel and caries.
A rinsing of the mouth with water after consuming an apple can still contribute to bringing the oral pH back to normal, preventing damage to the enamel and completing the detergent action of the fruit.
