Google searches for fibre have increased by one third in the past three months according to analysis, but how can the ‘fibremaxxing’ trend improve oral health?
Fibre is having a moment, with UK searches for the term reaching 1.9 million in the past 90 days – and oral health experts have pointed out that its benefits aren’t for gut health alone.
Maria Pascucci, head of clinical education and dental therapist at Tepe, spoke to Dentistry about the oral health benefits of dietary fibre.
Saliva flow
Firstly, fibre-rich foods can help stimulate saliva flow, thereby protecting the teeth and gums.
Maria said: ‘Fibre-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, require more chewing, which stimulates saliva flow.
‘Saliva is essential because it neutralises acids produced by bacteria, washes away food particles, and delivers minerals like calcium and phosphate that help protect and remineralise teeth.
‘This process helps maintain a healthy oral environment and prevents enamel erosion.’
Sugar consumption
Additionally, eating a lot of fibre can reduce the likelihood of consuming sugary and processed snacks in excess.
Maria continued: ‘When meals are more filling and fibre-rich, people are often less likely to graze on sugary snacks throughout the day. It’s the frequent snacking which causes fuels decay and plaque build-up.
‘From my experience, a balanced diet, with plenty of fibre, reduces a person’s reliance on sugary snacks which leads to a lowered risk of tooth decay and gum disease.’
Natural cleaning
Maria also highlighted that high-fibre foods can act as natural tooth and mouth cleaners. She said: ‘Raw vegetables like carrots and celery, fruits like apples and pears, whole grains such as brown rice and oats, and nuts and seeds can all act as natural cleaners.
‘Their crunchy, coarse textures gently scrub the tooth surfaces as we chew, stimulating saliva and gently dislodging food particles.’
However, she stressed the importance of tooth brushing and interdental cleaning in addition to consuming a diet rich in fibre.
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