New research has determined that diets high in fermentable carbohydrates can cause poor dental health. We always think of carbs as adding to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but rarely does the subject of dental health arise. Until now.

A new article in this month’s Dental Research magazine says that “poor dental health has been linked to a number of chronic diseases.” The article argues that dentists should be asking their patients about their nutritional habits as part of their regular care.
Image: sxc.hu.

Here’s a candy that’s sure to be a hit with kids (and their parents): a lollipop that fights tooth decay! It’s sugar-free, and contains an extract of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) which kills the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay (Streptococccus mutans).

[Professor Wenyuan Shi] determined that an extract of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is effective against tooth-decaying bacteria, providing the scientific basis for the ancient practice of chewing licorice root. “This was particularly charming because in both Chinese and in Western cultures, people have been chewing it maybe for the taste, but it also has a lot of good …read more

Fluoridated bottled water manufacturers are now allowed to claim that “Drinking fluoridated water may reduce the risk of [dental caries or tooth decay].”
It seems like something everyone already knows, but that’s how regulation goes. Before any firm can write any health claim on their packaging labels, all these go through rigorous validation processes first. And in fact, not all fluoridated water qualify. According to the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and applied Nutrition, “the food eligible to bear the claim is bottled water [snip] containing greater than 0.6 and up to 1.0 mg/L total fluoride, and meeting all general requirements …read more