Candy Combats Tooth Decay

Harry Hirsute · � #1 � 07-25-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

The tooth-protecting sugar substitute xylitol has been incorporated into gummy bears to produce a sweet snack that may prevent dental problems. Research published today in the open access journal BMC Oral Health describes how giving children four of the xylitol bears three times a day during school hours results in a decrease in the plaque bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is frequently used as a sweetener. It has been shown to reduce levels of the harmful mutans streptococci (MS) bacteria that are known to cause tooth decay. While xylitol chewing gums are available, they are not considered to be suitable for younger children.

This research was led by Kiet A. Ly from the University of Washington. He says, "For xylitol to be successfully used in oral health promotion programmes amongst primary-school children, an effective means of delivering xylitol must be identified. Gummy bears would seem to be more ideal than chewing gum."

The children in the study were given four bears three times a day, containing different concentrations of xylitol. The results show that after six weeks of gummy bear snacking, the levels of harmful MS bacteria in the children's plaque was significantly reduced. According to Ly "Based on our findings, it is feasible to develop a clinical trial of a gummy-based caries prevention programme. Such a study is now being carried out in the East Cleveland primary school district (Ohio, USA)."

https://www.physorg.com/news136181023.html

Boss · � #2 � 07-26-2008, 09:51 AM

Good idea. Although I wonder when they say more ideal than chewing Gum, if that's purely a cosmetic reason, i.e. it looks nicer when a kid chews Gummy Bears instead of Gum, or whether they said it for other resons, like Gummy Bears are healthier per se.

Whatever the resons I like this idea. It's a simple and easy preventative health measure. Well that is providing your kids like Gummys

Wonder if they'll ever put Xylitol in Tap Water?

Harry Hirsute · � #3 � 07-26-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss

Wonder if they'll ever put Xylitol in Tap Water?

I don't know. It seems unlikely, in any widespread way. I doubt even think holistic enthusiasts would support that. I think most people would just prefer having pure water that they can add their own additives to or not.

I sometimes use xylitol as a mouthwash. A pinch of xylitol, a dash of sea salt and warm water. I'm not sure how effective it is but it's cheaper and purer than most natural mouthwashes out there.

I also chew a xylitol-based gum. Never tried the gummy bears however. Maybe one day. I do like gummy bears.

Boss · � #4 � 07-26-2008, 04:24 PM

Presumably by adding your own stuff to Water, you could make a product called something like Dissolva.

Dissolva, the ultimate solution for soluable water additives, for the stimulant addict amongst you

Arrowwind09 · � #5 � 07-28-2008, 09:36 AM

Yes, this absolutely makes sense to me. For ages people have preserved food with sugar. Just look at jelly and jam. The antibacterial effects of honey. We use xylotol all the time. I suspect that regular sugar does not cause cavities at all but rather an acid ph in the mouth causes the cavities. Children, for some reason have a higher acid ph in the mouth. Things start to even out when they are 10 or 11 years old. at least that is what I saw with my kids. Adults don't get nearly as many cavities as children but may be more prone to gum disease.

Shawn-Lee · � #6 � 08-11-2008, 11:00 AM

I heard and have been following the possibility of honey being healthier for athletes and for just plain consumption due to a less amount of a chemical in the item. Honey could be like sap and be able to preserve things.... And with the naturally occuring vitamins and minerals in honey, it wouldn't surprise me if Honey could help combat the bacteria that cause cavities...

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