There is a considerable discussion regarding the topic of honey and whether or not it is bad for teeth. On the one hand, honey contains sugar, which can feed oral bacteria and lead to plaque and acid build-up that irritate gums and cause tooth decay.
On the other hand, honey also has some excellent properties that can benefit oral health. It is a natural sweetener, contains antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and even has antibacterial properties.
Is honey bad for your teeth? The solution is complex. Avoiding any manufactured sweets altogether is usually better for maintaining excellent dental health. But if you want to delight in a little bit of honey now and then. This article will discuss the advantages and drawbacks and how to utilise honey for your teeth’ benefits—and finally, retaining those lovely white pearly teeth.
Is honey bad for your teeth?
Is honey nasty for your teeth? No, honey does not hurt teeth when used correctly. Honey has numerous oral health advantages. For example, honey’s antibacterial properties may prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, honey soothes acidic tongues and inhibits the synthesis of dextran, a plaque-sticking component. Honey also prevents gingivitis. However, while honey is not entirely harmless to your teeth, it is necessary to consume it carefully and rinse it with water after eating. Therefore, enjoy your honey in moderation!
The cons of honey for teeth
The acidity in honey may demineralise teeth, exposing yellow dentine and making them more sensitive. Honey’s sugar concentration may also induce cavities since it is stickier than table sugar and clings on teeth for a longer time.
The American Heart Association advises daily regulating honey intake to 9 teaspoons (36 g) for males and six teaspoons (24 g) for women and children.
Pollen-sensitive people may experience coughing and other asthmatic symptoms if they consume too much honey due to the 30% glucose and less than 40% fructose content in honey as opposed to the 50% glucose and 50% fructose content in sugar.
Furthermore, botulism is a risk factor for puppies and young children consuming honey.
The Pros of honey for teeth
While one may think that the high sugar levels in honey promote tooth decay, recent research has found that Manuka honey provides several oral health benefits.
Honey decreases plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and gum disease, making it a potentially powerful tool in the fight against cavities and gingivitis. The natural sugars in honey do not create an acidic, demineralising environment in the mouth like processed sugars, which ultimately cause tooth decay.
The antioxidants and antibacterial properties of honey also help destroy the bacteria that cause gum disease, resulting in healthier gums. Manuka honey is also rich in nutrients like phytochemicals and vitamins that help rehabilitate the mouth’s tissues.
In addition to its oral health benefits, honey has been shown to help with many other issues like bowel problems, sore throats, and coughs. Honey’s unique nutritional composition makes it an exceptional substance with many potential health advantages.
How to Reap the Value of Honey for Dental Health
According to a study, not all honey is made equal. Most store-bought honey is refined and ultra-filtered, which hides the pollen source and may cause health concerns, like other produced goods. Local honey is better for you and has more benefits.
Here are some tips on how to get the most out of honey for dental health:
- Firstly, using honey in green tea, smoothies, or oatmeal benefits from its antibacterial properties.
- Secondly, honey is sweeter than sugar, so use less of it.
- Thirdly, honey and warm water may soothe a sore throat. Honey may also help with kennel cough for dogs, and pure manuka honey has good medicinal properties as a natural antibiotic.
- Finally, raw honey on periodontal gums after brushing may assist dental health. In conclusion, honey contains water, carbs, amino acids, minerals, and phenols. Honey relieves dry mouth and unpleasant breath.
Final Analysis
Whether you like honey or not, you should know how it affects your tooth health. Honey’s antioxidants and antibacterial qualities help kill gum disease and tooth decay-causing germs. Honey is less acidic than manufactured sweets but still can destroy teeth over time.
Excessive consumption of honey, due to its high sugar density, may result in tooth damage and cavities.
So is honey bad for teeth? It depends on how you use it! Enjoy your honey in moderation and with water to maximise its oral health benefits. Thank you for reading!
Sources of Information
Chang, P. (2022, June 23). Honey Teeth Benefits | Penn Dental. Penn Dental Family Practice. Retrieved July 2, 2022, from https://mypenndentist.org/dental-tips/2021/09/07/does-honey-rot-your-teeth/
Dentistry, T. T. T. P. (2020, July 21). Is Honey Good for Teeth? – Blog – Tots To Teens Pediatric Dentistry. Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry – Kerrville Office. Retrieved July 2, 2022, from https://www.pediatricdentistkerrville.com/blog/is-honey-good-for-teeth/
Springs, A. (2021, April 9). The Amazing Oral Health Benefits of Manuka Honey Your Dentist Has Not Shared With You. Apple Springs Family Dentistry. Retrieved July 2, 2022, from https://www.applespringsfamilydentistry.com/dental-health-benefits-manuka-honey/