Research Debunks the Myth That Raisins Cause Cavities

Let Them Eat Raisins!

Moms hear lots of information about what not to feed our kids. We’re on the lookout for artificial colors, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup and lots of other unhealthy, unnatural-sounding ingredients.

Sometimes someone sounds the warning that a food we think is actually healthy for our kids isn’t exactly the best choice, either. In that way, raisins have gotten a bad rap. Raisins, which are chocked full of vitamins and minerals, like potassium, magnesium, iron, copper and vitamin B-complex, have been mistakenly blamed for causing cavities because they can easily become stuck to teeth, leaving a feast for acid-producing bacteria that love sugary foods. These acids erode tooth enamel leading to cavities.

U.S. researchers have found that in addition to those many healthy vitamins and minerals, raisins contain oleanolic acid, which blocks the adherence of harmful bacteria to the tooth surfaces. Without adherence, bacteria can’t form plaque or contribute to tooth decay.

The researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry hypothesized that raisins contain antimicrobial phytochemicals capable of suppressing oral microbes associated with cavities or periodontal diseases and actually benefit oral health.

Raisins aren’t the only healthy foods that get a bad rap when it comes to oral care. Certain fruits, like apples and oranges, are often accused of increasing the sugar content of the mouth, or increasing the acidity of saliva when indeed they do the opposite by alkalizing saliva and increasing saliva production. More saliva means less food sticking to and between teeth, where cavities and periodontal disease often have a strong foothold.