Fighting Tooth Decay with Probiotics

According to recent research by Indian scientists, a daily dose of "good" bacteria might help kids fight tooth decay.

The study involved 150 children, between the ages of seven and fourteen.  All of the children were randomly assigned to one of three groups.  Each participant of the study received a powder that had to be taken once a day for two weeks.

The powder given to one of the groups (the control group) did not contain any active ingredients.  The second group's powder contained two species of pro-biotics, (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a commercially available probiotic, and Bifidobacterium, a probiotic used in the food industry) that can potentially promote good health.  The third group was given a Bacillus coagulans containing powder, which is also used as a pro-biotic.

Study Says Lollipops Reduce Tooth Decay

Just a couple of days ago we informed you about a new study claiming that sugar-free lollipops containing licorice root extract reduce tooth decay causing bacteria.  Bacterias such as streptococcus mutans (or S. mutans,) which is considered to be the primary culprit in tooth decay.

We now have a bit more information to add, Martin Curzon, Editor in Chief, European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, said that "The use of the licorice root lollipops is an ideal approach as it will stop the transfer and implantation of the bacteria that cause dental decay from mothers to their infants and toddlers.  It also has the merit of being a low cost, high impact public dental health measure."

Lollipops Reduce Tooth Decay?

According to a recent study, sugar-free lollipops containing licorice root extract, reduce the bacteria that causes tooth decay.  Specifically in preschool aged children with a high-risk of tooth decay.

The study was published by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 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.

The researchers analyzed 66 preschool students ages 2 - 5 who were given a lollipop for 10 minutes twice daily for three weeks.  The results showed a significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans.)

Asthma May Put People at a Higher Risk of Tooth Decay

According to a recent Brazilian research study that included 160 children, ages 3 to 15, some children with Asthma may get more cavities.  Half of the children in the study had asthma, consequently the other half did not.

The Brazilian researchers based the risk for tooth decay on the following factors:

New Suspect in Early Tooth Decay

INTELIHEALTH - Boston-area researchers may have found a new culprit in early tooth decay.

We all know that cause of tooth decay is evidently a species of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, which eats sugars and releases acid, leading to the tooth enamel dissolving that in result leads to a cavity. You might have heard about a couple of other species of bacteria associated with cavity formation, as well.

But a new study claims that even when Streptococcus mutans is not present, the risk of cavities still exists, as another species named Scardovia wiggsiae can lead to its formation.