Researchers at Berlin’s Organobalance GmbH recently released details of a pilot study that tested a new type of sugar-free candy. Sugar-free candies aren’t entirely new, but what this team of researchers were able to create was a candy that actively fights off cavities.
This test product targets a bacteria in your mouth known as mutans streptococci, which is released into your saliva and can then re-adhere to your teeth, leading to cavities and gum disease. What is unique about this newly developed candy is that it prevents the bacteria from grabbing back onto your teeth.
Test subjects were told to not “perform any oral hygiene activities or consume coffee, tea, wine, probiotic foods (such as yoghurt or cheese) from the evening prior to the first study day until completion of the study 1.5 days later.” After giving a sample of their saliva, participants then consumed this sugar-free candy five times during the next two days, giving additional saliva samples after each one.
The results showed a significant reduction in the cavity-producing bacteria after consuming the candy. In fact, roughly 75 percent of those who consumed the candy containing the bacteria to fight off the mutans streptococci showed a much lower level after two days.
It will still be a while though before these cavity fighting sugar-free candies are produced for market consumption, if it ever does. In the meantime, feel free to check out the full details of the study included in the source links.
Sources: Organobalance, PressTV
Photos: dolanh [Flickr]
