British Apples and Pears, the body representing UK apple and pear growers, has partnered with leading dental hygienist and therapist Anna Middleton and founder of London Hygienist, to champion the humble apple as the optimum, affordable, and healthy snack to start the new year – the key to healthy teeth and a healthy mouth.
The move comes as statistics show that eight out of ten adults in the UK have one or more teeth with decay, which have either been filled or pulled out, and that more than one in five children show signs of tooth decay.
Bacteria in the mouth convert the sugars that we eat to acid. That acid can damage the mineral layer – the enamel – on our teeth, which can lead to decay or cavities. Choosing fruits that are low in acidity and sugar, like apples, means getting plenty of your daily vitamins and antioxidants without impacting your teeth’s enamel. Meanwhile, fruits that are very sweet or very sour, such as pineapple or mango, are best enjoyed in moderation. Anna Middleton comments: “If you want to snack between meals, I recommend opting for fresh fruit such as apples and pairing them with something alkaline such as cheese, instead of consuming lots of dried fruit, which is high in sugar.”
The new campaign from British Apples and Pears is timed to coincide with the New Year when many people will be making health-related resolutions. The organisation comments that, while many of these will focus on weight loss, skin upkeep and fitness levels, looking after our teeth and oral health is just as important. ‘With a high fibre content, made up of 86% water and full of essential nutrients, it’s easy to make apples our go-to snack – great for our teeth, our wallets and overall health,’ says British Apples and Pears.
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