New research published has cast doubt on the commonly held belief that dried fruit is bad for your dental health because of the concentrated amounts of sugar it contains.

Published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, the report says that dried fruit can, in fact, have benefits for dental health.

These benefits include the fact people have to chew dried fruit – an action that encourages salivary flow, which is the mouth's own cleaning system.

Dried fruits also contain sorbitol, a substance which is known to neutralise plaque acidity on teeth as well as repair tooth enamel.

Clinical director at Illume, Tim Rumney, says: “This research is interesting in challenging the usual advice that people should avoid eating dried fruits because they are sticky, will adhere to the teeth and thus cause damage.

“Many clients find it difficult to understand why they are encouraged to eat fresh fruit but told to avoid the dried versions even though they prefer the taste and also find it more convenient because it has a longer shelf life.

“The researcher says more work is needed to establish the extent of the positive effects of eating dried fruit and I will await these findings with interest.

“In the meantime, however, the most important thing for all people to remember is that, whatever they snack on, they must brush their teeth twice a day.

“Brushing is especially essential before people go to bed because at night time saliva production slows down, leaving the mouth more at risk from decay,” he added.