Raisin Eyebrows: Is Dried Fruit Good for Your Teeth?

Raisin Eyebrows: Is Dried Fruit Good for Your Teeth?

Do you remember how disappointed you were as a kid when some concerned adult

dared put raisins in your Halloween bucket? Your mother was probably relieved,

convinced they would be far better for you and your pearly whites than the rest of the

junk food you'd strung out across the living room floor. Ask a pediatric dentist, however,

and you might get a different story.

 

It's true that there are a number of benefits to eating raisins. They're low in fat and

cholesterol, and boast plenty of fiber, calcium and potassium. Unfortunately, they're also

both sticky and high in sugar, putting them high on the list of foods that can cause

cavities. Some health professionals lump them in with all the other typical junk foods

kids eat. Don't worry, raisins aren't the only foods once thought healthy that can

contribute to tooth decay. Go ahead and add other dried fruit, sweetened cereals and

even fruit juices to the list.

 

Don't chuck raisins out just yet, however. Raisins were recently found to contain

phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the growth of bacteria commonly linked to

cavities. Note that this study was conducted in a lab, and no study has even been done

to show that cavities are either more or less likely to find kids that eat raisins.

So, where does this leave you? A good general rule when it comes to eating for good

health (oral and otherwise) is to stick with whole fruits and vegetables whenever

possible. If you must eat something that you aren't sure is good for you, do it in

moderation. Be sure to drink lots of water, and always either brush your teeth or rinse

your mouth out with warm water after eating sugary or acidic foods to prevent tooth

decay!

 

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com  We want to see you smile!