Are apples good for your teeth?

There is a conflicting understanding between academia and the public regarding the impact of consuming apples directly on teeth. This contradiction stems from the physical and chemical properties of apples themselves, which play a dual role in the oral environment.

The benefits of chewing apples for teeth are mainly reflected in their physical effects. Apples are rich in dietary fiber, and their crisp flesh rubs against the surface of teeth during chewing, helping to remove some loosely attached food residue and plaque. A study published in 2018 also explored the effect of chewing apples on removing dental plaque and affecting saliva bacterial activity. In addition, chewing can stimulate salivary glands to secrete a large amount of saliva. Saliva not only flushes the mouth and carries away food debris, but its buffering system can also neutralize the acid produced by plaque, which is crucial for maintaining stable oral pH and preventing dental caries.

Due to the high acidity (such as malic acid) and natural sugar content in apples, their risk of enamel erosion may even be higher than some carbonated beverages. Enamel is the outermost protective layer of teeth, and long-term exposure to acidic environments can lead to mineral loss, known as "tooth decay", making teeth sensitive, fragile, and increasing the risk of tooth decay. Meanwhile, the sugar in apples is a "delicacy" for cariogenic bacteria in the mouth, such as Streptococcus mutans, which metabolize sugar to produce more acid, further attacking teeth.

• When we shift our focus from the entire apple to its active ingredient - apple extract, a completely different and full of opportunities is presented before us. Different from the risks of acid and sugar brought by direct consumption of apples, scientifically extracted apple extracts (especially APPLE POLYPHENOLS) can "take the essence and discard the dregs", and play a huge application value in oral care products.

Apple polyphenols are the star components in apple extracts, and multiple studies have supported their potential applications in the field of oral health

1. Antibacterial and anti-biofilm formation: Multiple studies have shown that plant polyphenols can inhibit the growth and metabolism of oral pathogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, which causes dental caries.[1] Apple polyphenols can disrupt the bacterial environment, inhibit the formation of dental plaque biofilm, and reduce acid production at its source.[3]
2. Anti-caries properties: Apple polyphenols have been proven to have clear anti-caries potential by inhibiting cariogenic bacteria and reducing acidic products.[3] This makes it an ideal active ingredient for developing new anti-insect toothpaste and mouthwash.
3. Anti-inflammatory and periodontal health: Phenolic compounds in apple concentrate are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which have positive implications for preventing and alleviating periodontal tissue diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
4. Teeth whitening and fresh breath: Studies have explored the whitening effect and anti-oral microbial activity of apple water extracts, indicating that apple extracts also help improve tooth color and inhibit odor-producing bacteria, thereby refreshing breath. A study on mouthwash containing 25% apple peel extract also showed its good potential in removing dental plaque.[4]
In summary, the answer to the question of whether apples are good or bad for teeth is dialectical. Direct consumption has its advantages and disadvantages, but as a plant extract industry, we should pay more attention to the huge opportunities contained in its active ingredient, apple extract. Apple extract has the potential to become a shining star in the next blue ocean of the oral care market with its clear antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-caries effects. 

For more details about apple polyphenols, connect with Serrisha from APPCHEM. (Email: cwj@appchem.cn; +86-138-0919-0407)

Reference
[1]F. L. Brighenti, S. Luppens et al. "Effect of Psidium cattleianum Leaf Extract on Streptococcus mutans Viability, Protein Expression and Acid Production." Caries Research (2008). [2008-03-27]
[2]Soon-Jeong Jeong. "Teeth bleaching effect and anti-oral microbial activity of water-extracted apple (Malus asiatica)." Journal of Applied and Natural Science (2022).[2022-06-18]
[3]Apple Concentrate Market Size, Trends and Forecast to 2030[2024-01-01]
[4]Emini Emini, Erwin Erwin et al. "EVALUATION OF MAGIFRESH MOUTHWASH MANALAGI APPLE PEEL EXTRACT." JDHT Journal of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (2023).[2023-10-19]