Why You Should Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Dental Care

Apple cider vinegar (ACV), made from fermenting the sugars of apples, is one of the most commonly used vinegars in your dishes. It is believed that ACV is filled with nutrients that are capable of aiding weight loss, keeping diabetes in check, and even preventing cancer. Apple cider vinegar is also a great remedy for a horde of dental problems. From preventing teeth staining to reducing bad breath, ACV could be the answer to all your dental woes. Let’s dig a little deeper.

It Keeps Your Teeth Healthy And Whole

Your teeth house bacteria in the form of a clear, sticky mass, called plaque. This often acts on sugary foods and drinks, producing corrosive acids that decay your teeth, making cavities and causing gum diseases.

Rinsing your mouth with apple cider vinegar, an antibacterial agent, followed by swishing cold water in the mouth, is known to be a useful preventive measure against tooth decay or other bacterial effects. This is because, when used regularly, ACV can remove the plaque-causing bacteria and keep it from growing back.

And Also Squeaky Clean

You know how big a dent a teeth-whitening treatment at the dentist can leave in your pocket. Apple cider vinegar has proven antibacterial properties,¹ thanks to which it has been recommended as a cleanser for dentures.²

It Helps Your Teeth Retain Their Natural White

Teeth generally turn yellow because of the build-up of plaque, which releases pigments. ACV kills the bacteria in your mouth and gums and prevents stains. The astringent, acidic nature of the vinegar is believed to be responsible for this.

But while many claim it also cleans stains once they have formed, there’s little scientific evidence to back that.

It Eliminates The Root Causes Of Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by plaque build-up, or mouth infections, or even from improper digestion and sore throats.

• Prevents And Treats Infections

Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.³ In fact, it has proved quite effective against a fungus called candida that infects the mucous membranes in the mouth below the dentures, leading to a condition called denture stomatitis.⁴

• Improves Digestion

In its raw form, apple cider vinegar is known to aid digestion. The living enzymes present in the vinegar break the food down and make it easier for the body to digest the food. The acetic acid in ACV also helps absorb minerals in your food more efficiently.⁵

• Heals Sore Throats

According to study conducted at Brazil’s State University of Campinas, 75 percent of tonsilitis patients were found to have bad breath.⁶ And apple cider vinegar is believed to be one of the most popular remedies for sore throat.

A Word Of Caution About Safe Usage

Apple cider vinegar has a low pH level, which means it’s acidic. Researchers warn that, if not used as per recommended usage, it could lead to erosion of the tooth enamel, or the uppermost layer of the teeth.⁷

Although many health blogs and forums suggest direct application or direct ingestion of apple cider vinegar for oral health, studies have found that using an undiluted version could lead to many health problems, ranging from erosion of the stomach lining and stomach lesions to dilation of internal glands.⁸

Here’s How To Use ACV Safely

ACV Drink: Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and have it before and after your meal to ease your digestion.

ACV Tonic: Mix 1 teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar, warm water, and honey and have it on an empty stomach to clear your throat and keep bad breath away.

ACV Gargle: Add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water. Gargle with this solution to remove leftover food, dead cells, and bacteria from the mouth.

ACV Toothpaste

• Mix your toothpaste with 1 teaspoon water and 3 teaspoons white apple cider vinegar. This will keep bad breath at bay, reduce cavities, and whiten your teeth.⁹
• Mix 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon baking soda. Then mix this with enough water to make a paste. Brush your teeth with this paste to lighten your teeth.

So shouldn’t you integrate ACV into your basic oral hygiene regimen now to save many a painful trip to the dentist in the future?