The effect of a high consumption of apples or grapes on dental caries and periodontal disease in humans.

The intent of this study was to determine the effect of a high consumption of either apples or grapes on the caries experience (DMFT), and periodontal health. Farm workers employed by apple-producing, grape-producing and grain (control) producing farms in low fluoride areas (F less than 0.10 ppm) were investigated. To avoid contamination, only these farms where either apples, grapes or grain were cultivated solely, were included in the study. The caries incidence was found to be the highest for the apple group (24.2), lower for the grape group (17.4), and the lowest for the control group (9.9). The caries incidence differed statistically significantly (P less than 0.01) among the three groups. A higher caries incidence was found in the group of older subjects (35+ years) than in the 15-34 year old group. In general, for both age groups the control group showed conspicuously the highest number of dentate sextants with advanced periodontitis. Significantly less (P less than 0.01) advanced periodontitis and pocket formation could be seen in the youngest age group (15-34 years) of all three test groups. Thus, to conclude, it was found that the consumption of a high amount of apples and to a lesser degree grapes contributed significantly to dental caries. However, the above fruits had a beneficial effect on the periodontal status.