Beets are known to stain everything they come into contact with. So is beetroot bad for your teeth? It can, but it is well worth because they are beneficial for your teeth. Read to find out how.
There is a study that shows that the high inorganic nitrate levels found in beets is converted to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is known to slow the growth of acid producing bacteria found in plaque. So other than staying, beetroot is actually good for overall oral hygiene.
There are apparent foods that bring about tooth decay. That could be donuts or canned fruits with added sugar. Some things are clear cut. What about healthy foods that risk giving you the same problem?
Is Beetroot Bad for Your Teeth?
Beets stain hands, the chopping board, and pretty much everything they come into contact with. So it is not surprising if one thought that beets could indeed stain your teeth. However, University of Applied Sciences located in Upper Austria seems to have found that the contrary is true.
If anything, they discovered that beets can prevent tooth decay. In the quest to answer the question “is beets bad for your health” as many people ask only, they said the reason for its inability to do so is due to the nitrate in the beets.
The research showed that nitrate prevents the processes that lead to tooth decay and cavities from forming. When someone has tooth decay, it is due to the forming of plaque, a sticky film where you find bacteria proliferated. The plaque produces acid that begins breaking down the teeth.
The student researchers in the university found that the nitrate, converted into nitric oxide by the body, slowed down that process.
Though the research was on a smalls scale, they found that when their fellow students consumed beetroot juice, it helped in controlling the bacteria.
It is through checking the acid content in the saliva of the beet juice and the control groups that they were able to make this conclusion.
For the benefits to stick, you ought to be taking beet juice regularly to slow down the progression of plaque. An added benefit is beets contain calcium, further strengthening the teeth. That said it ought not to be a substitute for proper dental care.
How to Prevent Stained Teeth When Taking Beets?
So, are beets bad for your teeth? Even though beets have proven to be a companion in combating tooth decay and cavities from forming, there is more you can do to prevent staining.
One way of reducing the chances of that happening is by using other fruits when making your beet juice. It dilutes down the red color, and you’re able to get the nutrients you need without having to worry excessively.
Another suggestion that doctors give is that if you are eating beet salads, you should add feta. The purpose is to neutralize lactic acid in the mouth and thus lowering the pH level in the mouth.
That then prevents the buildup of acid, and this helps fight cavities and plaque. Additionally, you get other benefits; feta cheese is a fantastic source of calcium.
Given that it is a dairy product and those tend to be high in calories, you ought to put them in your beetroot salad in moderation.
Additional benefits
Beets are indeed considered a superfood, so you are guaranteed to get extra perks from taking beet juice or when they are cooked.
- It helps regulate high blood pressure
- boosts one’s performance and stamina
- it purifies the blood and detoxifies the body
- excellent in dealing with and reducing inflammation in the body
- beneficial to anemic patients
- those with diabetes as well as helping with digestion
Taking beet juice is not a replacement for dental care. If you do wish to see results worth your time you should visit a dentist regularly and equally become diligent in your dental hygiene.
Once that is done, you can go about using beet juice, salads and foods to maintain healthy teeth.
Final word
Beets as a superfood have proven to be beneficial in some unlikely ways. Is beetroot bad for your teeth? As things stand, it is evident that beetroots are useful for your teeth. It’s helpful to swirl the water around your mouth or brush your teeth after. Alternatively, mixing beets with something else reduces its staining power even as it improves your dental health. Next time you take beets in whatever for, stop to think how you’re helping your teeth.
People also ask
Can taking beets fight off cavities?
Beets are indeed fantastic in dealing with the lactic acid in your saliva that causes plaque in your mouth. However, if you continue to take sugary foods, it will not do you much good.
How do I stop beets from staining my teeth?
You can swirl the water around your mouth to remove whatever color that may have been left over or brush your teeth.
When is the best time to take beet juice?
It is typically taken first thing in the morning so you can always brush your teeth or use mouthwash after.
How can I prevent beets from staining my teeth?
Apart from swirling water in your mouth, you can brush your teeth about an hour after you have taken beet juice so that staining does not take place.
