Last Updated on May 28, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating an apple after brushing makes the teeth even more cleaner. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False. Apples are not a substitute for toothbrushing as they can’t remove all plaque and bacteria. While they stimulate saliva production and remove some food particles, they lack fluoride that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities.
The Claim
In a Facebook reel, the speaker claims that consuming an apple after brushing makes the teeth cleaner than before. He further claimed that apple is called nature’s toothbrush.
Fact Check
Why is it important to brush your teeth?
Brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and promoting overall health. It removes plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Brushing also freshens breath by removing food particles and bacteria to avoid bad breath. However, it does not mean that tooth brushing reverse tooth decay.
One of the most important types of toothpastes called Fluoride toothpaste, strengthens tooth enamel, which can prevent cavities. It also prevents gum disease by removing plaque and bacteria that can cause inflammation and infection in the gums. Poor oral hygiene can cause various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, so regular brushing is essential.
Is chewing apple better than brushing your teeth?
Not exactly. People should not replace toothbrushing with chewing apples. Apples alone cannot remove all of the plaque and bacteria that accumulates on your teeth and gums with time.
Apples can help to stimulate saliva production and wash away some food particles and bacteria. But they do not contain fluoride which is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Research states that chewing an apple does not remove dental plaque and may favour plaque regrowth during the first 24 hours. It also shows that chewing apples does produce an immediate reduction in salivary bacterial viability similar to that after tooth brushing.
Apples are healthy for your teeth and gums because they are high in water content and fibre. Still, they contain natural sugars and acids that can be harmful to your teeth if left on the teeth for too long. Over time, the sugars and acids from apples can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
Brushing your teeth after eating an apple can remove any sugar and acid residue, as well as any plaque that may have formed on your teeth. It is also important to wait at least 30 minutes after eating an apple or any acidic food or drink before brushing your teeth. This is because the acid in these foods and drinks can temporarily soften tooth enamel, and brushing immediately after can cause further damage to the enamel.
Additionally, toothbrushing prevents gum disease and maintain good overall oral health.
Dr. Pooja Bharadwaj comments on this by stating, “Apple is rich in fibre like pectin and has cleansing action on tooth surfaces. Still, it fails to remove dental plaque and favours plaque regrowth during the first 24 hours, which ultimately leads to calculi and overall poor oral hygiene. It doesn’t produce an immediate reduction in bacterial viability similar to that after brushing. This increases caries rate and periodontal diseases. Hence, chewing apple is not considered to be better than brushing the teeth.”
In conclusion, while chewing apples can be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine, it should not replace toothbrushing as the primary method of cleaning your teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene. It is better to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Also, it is beneficial to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
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