According to a new study, the grapefruit is efficient against gum disease.

Researchers from the Friedrich Schiller University in Germany believe this is linked to the increase of vitamin C in the organism, BCC writes.

It's a well-known fact that this chemical compound has a significant contribution to the healing process and greatly reduces damages caused by free radicals.

The study carried out on 58 persons with chronic gum disease showed that a diet rich in these fruits has a benefic effect both on smokers and non-smokers.

Preliminary tests showed that at the beginning of the study, the level of vitamin C in the smokers' organisms was 29% lower that for non-smokers, a fact which cannot be explained by researchers. One of the explanations is that smoking changes the way in which the organism metabolizes the vitamin, and the other links this habit to a less healthy diet.

During the two weeks of study, each participant ate two grapefruits, the researchers observing an increase in the level of vitamin C.

"Most people have a small amount of gum disease, much of which is reversible," BBC quoted Dr Gordon Watkins, a scientific advisor to the British Dental Association, as saying

"But a significant amount has intractable gum disease, which is the biggest cause of loss of teeth in adults. This is a small-scale, short-term study but it reinforces the message that if you have enough vitamin C in your diet then it tends to promote healing," he also said.

A previous study showed that cranberries protect the teeth from cavities acting similarly to Teflon.

These two studies offer obvious clues on a diet which provides a good oral health. In conclusion, with the help of cranberries you protect the teeth, and with grapefruits - gum disease.