The following was written by Dr. Gary Vance and posted at AHealthierMichigan.org.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did you know eating an apple could cause tooth decay?

Apples are naturally high in sugar and when this sugar combines with the plaque that grows on our teeth all day long, it can produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Over time, acid can do permanent damage to your teeth by producing a condition called “erosion,” or the loss of hard tissues from the tooth surface. Erosion can eventually lead to tooth decay, which is painful and can cause the loss of your teeth if not treated properly.

But you don’t have to avoid apples this fall completely! Eating apples is good for your health, but eating them slowly increases the acid levels in your mouth and can result in damage to your teeth. Remember, it’s not what you eat, but how you eat it. Another recommendation would be to try eating foods rich in calcium, like milk or a piece of cheese with apples to neutralize the high acidity.  When you’re done with your snack, drink a glass of water and brush your teeth to remove any leftover acid.