What Effect Do Cranberries Have on My Oral Health

Cranberries are enjoyed as juices, jams, sauces, capsules, chewing gum, and dried fruit, and they have numerous overall health benefits. They have long been known to be good for the urinary tract and may provide important nutritional support against infectious diseases as well as serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Cranberries also have interesting effects on dental health. Here are the pros and cons of cranberries for your smile as well as some tips for maximizing the pros while minimizing the cons.

What Good Can Cranberries Do for My Teeth?

Bacteria have adapted to have numerous methods of sticking to nearly any surface. This allows them to work as communities for mutual protection and reproductive success, creating slimy layers known as biofilms. Dental plaque is one such biofilm, and the bacteria it houses can have devastating effects on your oral health such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Cranberries have an interesting ability to prevent bacteria from sticking to surfaces and forming biofilms. The red pigments these little fruits contain have been demonstrated to hinder the formation of these nasty slimy coatings and seem to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Consuming cranberries can help reduce the presence of harmful bacteria and plaque in the mouth while providing antioxidants and other essential nutrients.

Can Cranberries Do Anything Bad to My Teeth?

Unfortunately, these pigments are double-edged swords. While they have considerable oral health benefits, these colored compounds can bind to the enamel of teeth, leading to purplish stains and discoloration. Cranberry sauce, a popular Thanksgiving dish, is particularly problematic because it concentrates the pigments and is high in sugar that can actually feed harmful bacteria.

How Can I Keep My Teeth Free of Stains While Eating Cranberries and Their Products?

To prevent dental stains from forming, the best thing to do is practice excellent oral hygiene before and after consuming cranberries and other foods that are heavy in pigments or dyes. This will help keep your enamel strong and eliminate plaque, which can trap pigments and make it easier for them to bind to your teeth. You might also try a whitening toothpaste to control stains. It’s also a great idea to enjoy a glass of water with cranberries, as this will help flush the pigments away from your teeth and stimulate your mouth’s natural cleaning process.

Cranberries can be great for your oral and overall health. By consuming them while practicing the proper precautions, you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for many Thanksgiving feasts to come.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffery F. Hermen earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and pursues continuing education courses to stay on top of the latest developments in the dental field. He is proud to be a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association and the Oklahoma County Dental Society. His office in Oklahoma City, OK offers preventive, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on teeth-healthy eating, contact his office online or dial (405) 621-2100.