A Berry-Good Weapon Against Tooth Decay
Cranberries have long been recommended by doctors to help prevent urinary tract infections. Over the past few years, studies have shown that the same elements in cranberries that block bacteria from sticking to the bladder may have the same effect on your teeth.
The most popular cavity-causing bacteria – Strepococcus mutans – can’t stick to the tooth surface when it goes up against the tart little berries. According to a recent study out of the University of Rochester Medical Center, two compounds in cranberries have been identified as being mainly responsible for this “Teflon” effect, specifically flavonoids (antioxidants) known as quiercitin and myricetin.
Cranberries not only prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth in the first place, but they also may help stop the building process of plaque. Bacteria in the mouth use enzymes to build up plaque on the teeth, but cranberries seem to help inhibit these enzymes from doing their destructive job.
Though researchers are beginning to successfully identify the decay-fighting compounds in cranberries, they warn against rushing to buy cranberry juice for your dental health. Most juices contain sugar that cause cavities, countering the positive properties of the cranberry.
Enjoy all of the information and tips in our dental health library.
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