Fruit juice not that bad after all

A study has shown there to be no significant difference in the enamel mineralising effects of intrinsic sugars (contained within foods) and extrinsic sugars (added in food manufacturing and

found in fruit juice and honey).1 The study was performed using a device placed in the mouth to test how conducive substances are to promoting dental caries, to compare the effect on enamel

demineralisation of fruits and vegetables, consumed either whole or in a juiced form. The findings contradict a long-held belief in the UK that intrinsic sugars are 'safer for

teeth' than extrinsic sugars. The study was conducted among ten healthy adults, who had normal salivary function. Each subject wore a removable appliance which carried pre-demineralised

human enamel slabs. They each consumed one of the test foods seven times each day for ten days. They were instructed to brush their teeth twice a day, using fluoride-free toothpaste, while

the appliances were out of the mouth. 'The results show that eating fruits and vegetables as “whole” foodstuffs may cause similar demineralisation in enamel to when they are consumed as

a juice, when frequently consumed by people who are not using fluoride toothpaste' said Professor Monty Duggal, co-author of the study. REFERENCES * Issa A I, Toumba K J, Preston A J,

Duggal M S . Comparison of the effects of whole juiced fruits and vegetables on enamel demineralisation _in situ_. _Caries Res_ 2011; 45: 448–452. Article  Google Scholar  Download

references RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Fruit juice not that bad after all. _Br Dent J_ 211, 248 (2011).

https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2011.782 Download citation * Published: 23 September 2011 * Issue Date: 24 September 2011 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2011.782 SHARE THIS ARTICLE

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