A new, sugar-free brand of sweets has been developed to fight bacteria that cause tooth-decay
The Daily Mail reports that the sweets will prevent harmful bacteria from attacking tooth enamel, instead flushing the bacteria away with saliva.
The sweets contain a type of probiotic bacteria called lactobacillus paracasei, which binds to the harmful streptococcus mutans – the most common bacteria that causes tooth decay.
This harmful bacteria feeds on sugar in the foods we eat, and then releases acid, which burns through tooth enamel.
The friendly bacteria is released whilst sucking the sweet; this friendly bacteria then binds itself to the harmful microbes, reducing their ability to bind to the surface of the teeth and start the process of erosion.
The lactobacilli group of bacteria has been known to have a positive effect on digestion, nutrient absorption and reducing levels of harmful microorganisms in the body.
The sweets, which were developed by a German company, could be marketed toward children in a bid to prevent the early development of tooth decay. Currently, the cost of treatment for children with rotten teeth in Britain totals £45 million annually.
Statistics in a recent study show that teenagers have an average of 2.5 teeth removed or filled due to decay by the age of 15, and one in four children have developed tooth decay by the age of five.
Regular brushing and flossing is the most effective way to fight harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Both activities reduce plaque which is where harmful bacteria breed.
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