Introduction

We all know pineapple as a delicious and decadent tropical fruit. It’s known to be the most economically significant plant in the family Bromeliaceae. Its scientific name is Ananas comosus. Pineapple is indigenous to South America and has been cultivated for centuries.¹

In this article, we will not discuss what we already know, how sweet and tart pineapples can be. Instead, we will focus on the unique benefits it has to our oral health. Some reports have stated that pineapples have plaque-fighting qualities that come from the enzyme, Bromelain. Bromelain is said to cleanse teeth and break plaque.¹

Bromelain and pineapples

Bromelain is a group of proteolytic enzymes that are found in the fruit and stem of a pineapple plant. Fun fact: pineapples are the only food that naturally contains bromelain. Bromelain has varied potential for health benefits, and it’s commonly used as a supplement. Dietary supplements, it’s usually promoted for reducing pain and swelling, especially of the nose, sinuses, and gums after surgery or injury. Other promotions are for osteoarthritis, cancer, digestive problems, and muscle soreness. Burns are also promoted by topical bromelain.⁴

Bromelain is known to help reduce inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. An inflammatory cytokine is a type of signalling molecule that is secreted from immune cells like helper T cells and macrophages. This is where they come in for their uses in arthritis and sports injuries.⁴

Bromelain digests proteins which can help break down the proteinaceous matric that holds dental plaque together. Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth. As plaque hardens, it becomes more difficult to remove which can lead to damage to your tooth, tooth decay, or tooth loss. So, bromelain can contribute to breaking down the sticky film and contribute to the description and removal of the plaque. ⁴

Pineapples contain essential trace elements

Pineapples have an abundance of vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, and it offers a range of health benefits. Manganese is a trace mineral that plays many important roles even though it is needed in smaller quantities in the body compared to other major minerals. Manganese intake can contribute to the development and maintenance of strong teeth because it is a component of enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of connective tissues. Enamel protection is another preventative factor that pineapples provide for teeth. In addition to vitamin C and manganese, pineapples add vitamin B6, copper, thiamin, folate, potassium, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin, and iron. ²

Vitamin C is the key to a healthy gum

As mentioned before, pineapples have high vitamin C content, and it plays a critical role in gum health. Without vitamin C, the synthesis of collagen cannot happen it’s a structural protein that forms the foundation of connective tissues in the gums. Collagen synthesis is essential because collagen gives strength and integrity it the gum tissues which helps to prevent gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Moreover, the strength that vitamin C gives to gums prevents gum recession, bleeding of the gums, and other signs of gum disease.²

Vitamin C intake also helps with the prevention of scurvy. Scurvy, scientifically known as scorbutus is a condition caused by a severe lack of vitamin C in your diet. Typically, those who do not consume enough fruits and vegetables in their diet are at a higher risk of scurvy. Some symptoms of scurvy are bruising, swollen and bleeding gums, weakness, fatigue, joint pain, anaemia, and rash. Pineapples are one of the treatments for scurvy because it has such a high percentage of vitamin C in them.³

Vitamin C also helps protect the gums and other oral tissues from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the widespread presence of reactive oxygen species and a biological system's capacity to efficiently neutralize these reactive substances or repair the ensuing damage.⁵ Therefore, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals which can contribute to maintaining the strength of your teeth and preventing any damage.

Pineapples contribute to healthy teeth

Although pineapples have many benefits in improving oral health, there are a few cons. Pineapples are highly acidic so too much pineapple and frequent consumption can lead to enamel erosion. Enamel erosion is when the enamel surface of your teeth gets dissolved and softened by too much content with acids. This is not to be confused with tooth decay as bacteria cause tooth decay.⁶ Enamel erosion, in turn, makes teeth more susceptible to damage and sensitivity because of the weakened enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth. The amounts of sugar in pineapple can also cause tooth decay as bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars which can lead to cavities. However, consuming pineapples in moderation is the key. Incorporating pineapple into your balanced diet is the safest way to avoid all the cons. Remember that you cannot rely on pineapples alone to contribute to your overall oral well-being.⁷ 

Summary

• Pineapples are high in vitamin C and manganese
• They can help strengthen and maintain the integrity of your teeth
• While pineapples have great benefits for oral health, it’s important to eat them in moderation to avoid weakening your enamel and weakening your teeth