I get what you mean about nothing replacing brushing and flossing, but I’ve actually noticed a bit of a difference when I eat apples or carrots after lunch. Like, my mouth feels fresher and sometimes I find less gunk stuck between my teeth compared to eating bread or chips. Maybe it’s just the crunchy texture helping a little? I still wouldn’t skip my usual cleaning routine, though—definitely learned that lesson after getting braces off and seeing all the spots I missed. Still, I think there’s at least some minor benefit to those snacks, even if it’s not a substitute for proper dental care.
Crunchy veggies like apples and carrots really do make a difference, at least for me. After lunch, I’ll chew on a carrot stick and it feels like it kind of “scrapes” away some of the stuff stuck to my teeth. It’s not a replacement for brushing (learned that the hard way after a couple cavities in my 60s), but it’s a nice little boost during the day. Plus, they don’t leave that sticky feeling in your mouth like bread does. I guess it’s just a small step, but every bit helps, right?