Cranberry juice has many health benefits, but it can seem too sour for the teeth. So let us find out if, is cranberry juice bad for your teeth, or actually good for them?

There is no doubt about the fact that cranberry juice is an excellent cure for bladder infections, such as UTI and yeast infections. However, recent research has concluded that the medicinal properties of cranberry juice helps fight oral bacteria as well. It has been proven to act as a deadly opponent against tooth decay and bad oral hygiene. However, when we speak about cranberry juice, we do not refer to the sugar saturated and artificially processed version sold in the market. What we are referring to, is the actual fruit, and its natural juice. This fruit is extremely sour and is therefore difficult for many to consume directly.

If you can get your hands on a 100% pure and commercially sold bottle of cranberry juice, that would be a good option as well. But there will still be sugar in it which will cause more harm than any good. Also, it can get very hard to identify if the juice is actually unprocessed, and has not been tampered with. My advice would be to buy fresh cranberries, and try eating them directly along with certain sweeter fruits such as bananas or papaya. Or you could blend the fruits, and dilute extensively along with water and honey, and then drink up. After all, when you think about the health benefits this little red fruit has, the pangs of sourness can take a backseat. So when people ask you is cranberry juice bad for your teeth, give a wide grin and say No! Let us find out what makes this fruit so good for the teeth.

How Cranberry Juice Fights Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Apart from the other cranberry juice benefits the most widely claimed benefit is its ability to fight bladder infections. When cranberries were researched against UTI, it was found that the components within the fruit made it difficult for the pathogens to survive on the walls of the urinary tract. Similar results have been found when tested against tooth decay. It seems that the bacteria Streptococcus mutans becomes incapable of secreting the enzyme glycosyltransferases. It is this enzyme which creates plaque and leads to oral cavities. It does not let the bacteria stick to the teeth, and therefore protects it from decay. When this bacteria feeds on sugar it creates acidic by-products which eat into the tooth. Secondly, the tannin in the fruit keeps the pH level in the mouth at a state wherein it becomes difficult for pathogens to feed and live on the cells and inner crevices of the gums and teeth. Since teeth has soft tissue within it, the juice creates a barrier for the pathogens which prevents it from entering and creating decay.

For those who cannot tolerate the taste of this juice, can go in for sugar free cranberry toothpaste and mouth wash. However, they would not be able to yield the other magical health benefits of this fruit. It has also been reported by many that ever since they began drinking pure and diluted cranberry juice, it has helped make their teeth brighter. This phenomenon, is because of the citric nature of this fruit which acts as a natural bleaching agent. Drinking one glass every day can keep tooth decay at bay for several years.

Nonetheless, the best way to avoid tooth decay is to maintain proper dental hygiene. Brushing twice a day with sugar free toothpaste and remembering to floss and rinse daily, can save you from those expensive trips to the dentist. Exercising control over what you eat also plays a very vital role in your oral health. Stay away from sweets if you suffer from a sweet tooth. Remember to brush soon after, so as to avoid any sticky sweet bits to be left behind. These bits are what the bacteria feed on, so why feed them? Avoid colas and candies, and starchy foods as these too speed up the process of tooth decay.

And finally, stay away from habits such as smoking and drinking as these too weaken the natural pH balance in the mouth. Hopefully, now you know for sure, if cranberry juice is bad for your teeth or not. At the end of the day, the best judge is you. So you will need to try the drink and see if it helps your case or not.