Fact Check: Can Celery Juice Help Reverse Tooth Decay?

An Instagram post claims that celery juice helps reverse tooth decay. The claim by the user is false.

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is false. While celery is a healthy vegetable with certain oral health benefits such as promoting saliva production it cannot help reverse tooth decay.

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay starts when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that wear away the tooth's outer layer, known as enamel. Over time, this can create a small hole in the tooth, commonly referred to as a cavity. If left untreated, the decay can progress, leading to discomfort, infection, and potentially the loss of the affected tooth. Tooth decay can affect anyone who has teeth, regardless of age—from young children to elderly adults.

Can Tooth Decay be reversed?

No, tooth decay cannot be reversed.

Tooth decay begins when teeth are frequently exposed to acids, often due to regular consumption of sugary or starchy foods and drinks. These acids cause the enamel—the tooth’s outer protective layer—to lose minerals. In the early stages, this results in a white spot on the tooth, indicating the start of decay. At this point, the process can still be stopped or reversed, as enamel can repair itself by taking in minerals from saliva and fluoride found in toothpaste or treatments. However, if the acid exposure continues and mineral loss worsens, the enamel becomes too weak and breaks down, forming a cavity. Once a cavity develops, the damage is permanent and must be treated by a dentist, usually with a filling.

What are the nutritional benefits of Celery?

Celery (Apium graveolens), a member of the Apiaceae family, is rich in phytochemicals like phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis. Flavonoids in celery lower cardiovascular inflammation, while phthalides help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. It also offers oral health benefits, such as stimulating saliva production, which in turn helps inactivate germs that can cause cavities.

Can Celery Juice help reverse Tooth Decay?

No, celery juice cannot reverse tooth decay. Celery offers certain oral health benefits, such as stimulating saliva production, but there is no scientific evidence that it can repair or regenerate decayed enamel.

Celery offers nutritional benefits such as stimulating salivary flow and aiding in oral cleansing but it cannot reverse existing tooth decay. A study by Genatrika et al. concluded that celery-containing toothpastes can be used as natural antibacterial agents for the prevention of dental caries caused by Streptococcus mutans.

Another article by Hayati et al concluded that there is an inhibition effect of celery leaf extract toothpaste on the growth of Streptococcus mutans.

Although some studies suggest that celery may have mild antibacterial effects by stimulating saliva production which helps neutralize acids and clear food particles, there is no scientific evidence that it can reverse tooth decay. Once enamel is lost, it cannot be regenerated, and professional dental treatment is necessary to restore the damaged tooth structure.

Dr Aravind Krishnan R, MDS, Consulting Orthodontist, Kerela told Medical Dialogues, "Despite some viral claims, celery juice cannot cure tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by bacterial damage to the enamel and dentin, requiring professional dental treatment such as fillings or fluoride therapy. While celery juice contains nutrients and hydration benefits, it lacks any proven remineralizing properties to reverse cavities. Relying on it as a cure can delay necessary care, worsening dental health. Always consult a dentist for evidence-based solutions."

Dr. Sayantini Das, MDS, Consulting Pedodontist, Kolkata, told Medical Dialogues, "Celery juice is often promoted as a wellness elixir but there’s no scientific evidence that it can reverse tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by the breakdown of enamel due to acids produced by bacteria, and once enamel is lost, it doesn’t grow back. However, celery itself can be beneficial for oral health—its high water content stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and rinse away food particles. Drinking celery juice isn’t harmful in moderation, but it should never replace proven dental care practices like brushing, flossing, using fluoride, and regular dental check-ups."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The idea that celery juice can reverse tooth decay is False. While celery has some oral health benefits, such as aiding saliva flow and being low in sugar, it does not have the ability to repair or regenerate tooth structure. Tooth decay is a progressive condition that requires professional dental care.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.