DentistryDiet

Do Licorice Lollipops Reduce Tooth Decay?

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Well, they can reduce the bacteria that lead to dental caries (tooth decay) according to a new study.

Sugar-free lollipops containing licorice root extract significantly reduced the bacteria that causes tooth decay, specifically among pre-school children with high-risk of tooth decay, according to a recent study published in the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

The study, funded by the Research and Data Institute of the affiliated companies of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Mexico and North Carolina, analyzed 66 preschool students ages 2 to 5 enrolled in a Head Start Program in Lansing, Mich. For three weeks, each student received an orange-flavored, sugarless lollipop for 10 minutes, twice daily.

Researchers said they were motivated to conduct the survey by the high number of children who face dental decay and cavities. According to Jed Jacobson D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., chief science officer at Delta Dental, dental decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, with more than half of children ages 5 to 17 having had at least one cavity or filling.

“We are working to find simple, effective regimens that will encourage prevention and control of dental disease,” he said.

Study results showed a significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay, during the three-week period when the lollipops were being used and lasting for an additional 22 days before beginning to rebound.

If this works, why not?

But, the task may be to get the children to suck on the licorice versus chocolate or other caries causing candy.

The lollipops, manufactured by Dr. John’s Candies of Grand Rapids, Mich., were developed using FDA-approved materials by Dr. Wenyuan Shi, a microbiologist at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), and C3 Jian, Inc., a research and development company in California.

There are approximately 700 types of bacteria in the human mouth. While most are harmless, S. mutans is considered the primary culprit in tooth decay. They live in a biofilm (plaque) that adheres to the teeth, consume sugar and release acid that erodes tooth enamel, causing decay. Regular brushing and flossing, along with dental checkups, can help keep S. mutans and Lactobacillus casei in check.

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