I’ve been eating more apples and raw carrots lately (trying to snack healthier, but also just easier than chips), and I swear my teeth feel less gunky after. Like, it’s not the same as brushing, obviously, but it does seem to scrub off some of the stuff that usually sticks. Is that just in my head or do these crunchy snacks actually help? Anyone else notice this or is it just placebo effect?
I swear my teeth feel less gunky after. Like, it’s not the same as brushing, obviously, but it does seem to scrub off some of the stuff that usually sticks.
I’ve noticed the same thing, actually. I get super anxious if I can’t brush right after eating, but munching on crunchy stuff like apples or carrots does make my mouth feel cleaner. I still worry about sugar from fruit, though… especially since I’ve had a few fillings in the past. Has anyone ever had their dentist say anything about this? I always wonder if it’s really helping or if I’m just imagining it because it feels better in the moment.
munching on crunchy stuff like apples or carrots does make my mouth feel cleaner. I still worry about sugar from fruit, though… especially since I’ve had a few fillings in the past.
Same here. Apples do make things feel fresher, but I’m also cautious because of the sugar. My dentist told me once that raw veggies are good for “mechanical cleaning,” but fruit sugars can still feed bacteria if you don’t rinse or brush after. Honestly, I try to stick to carrots or celery between meals since they’re cheaper and don’t have much sugar.
Has anyone tried chewing gum instead? I’ve heard it helps if you can’t brush right away, but not sure if it’s actually better than snacking on veggies. Just curious if anyone’s dentist said one is more effective or cost-efficient.
I get why you’re cautious about fruit sugars. In my own practice, I’ve seen patients who snack on apples thinking they’re “cleaning” their teeth, but then end up with new cavities because they don’t rinse or brush after. Chewing sugar-free gum can be helpful, especially if it’s xylitol-based—it gets saliva going, which helps wash away food bits and neutralize acids. Veggies like carrots or celery are great for that mechanical cleaning, though, and honestly, they’re cheaper and don’t have the sugar issue. I usually tell folks to keep a travel-sized rinse or just swish with water if brushing isn’t an option.
I get why you’re cautious about fruit sugars. In my own practice, I’ve seen patients who snack on apples thinking they’re “cleaning” their teeth, but then end up with new cavities because...
That’s actually a good point about the fruit sugars. I started packing carrots instead of apples for work snacks, mostly because they’re cheaper and don’t get mushy in my bag. I do feel like they help with that fuzzy feeling on my teeth, but I still try to rinse with water after. It’s not a replacement for brushing, but it’s better than nothing when you’re stuck at your desk all afternoon. Plus, my dentist hasn’t yelled at me yet, so maybe it’s working out okay…