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While it may not keep the doctors entirely at bay, an apple a day can benefit your oral health. September 16th is International Eat an Apple Day, and we thought it would be the perfect time to focus on the apple and other crunchy fruits and vegetables that have a positive effect on your teeth and gums.

Fruits and veggies with a crunchy texture and high fiber content work to effectively scrub the gums, teeth, and tongue. Essentially, they help to “exfoliate” your mouth from stuck-on food particles. While eating an apple will not (and should not) replace your daily brushing routine, it can be effective at cleaning the teeth and mouth in between brushings, and reach areas you may have missed when brushing and flossing.

In addition to their scrubbing qualities, here are some more benefits of these crunchy foods.

Apples and Pears
Apples and pears are mildly acidic, which gives them an astringent quality, making them helpful in removing plaque buildup and pathogenic microbes from your mouth.

Celery and Carrots
Celery and carrots contain beta carotene, which the body needs to create vitamin A—a vitamin that is important in maintaining strong teeth.

Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables contain a multitude of vitamins and minerals that are important to your oral health. Depending on the type, they contain a variety of vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Vitamin A is important in maintaining strong teeth, vitamin C helps to maintain healthy gums, beta carotene helps the body produce vitamin A, magnesium can help prevent periodontal diseases, calcium contributes to strengthening tooth enamel, and phosphorus helps your body to absorb the calcium it needs for healthy bones and teeth.

Celebrate International Eat an Apple Day every day with at least one of the foods on this list to help keep your mouth clean between brushing and flossing.

Beyond eating the right foods, regular checkups and cleanings are vital to your oral health. Contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry at our Port Jervis office to schedule a checkup by calling (845) 209-2500 or by clicking here.

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