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Dried licorice extract kills tooth decay bugs
Scientists have identified two substances in licorice that kill major bugs responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.
Researcher Stefan Gafner and colleagues, who led the study, from Tom's of Maine, a manufacturer of natural ingredients for personal care products, found that two of the compounds, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were the most effective antibacterial substances.
These substances killed two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and two of the bacteria that promote gum disease, according to a Tom's statement.
One of the compounds - licoricidin - also killed a third gum disease bacterium. The researchers say that these substances could treat or even prevent oral infections.
Scientists have identified two substances in licorice that kill major bugs responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.
Researcher Stefan Gafner and colleagues, who led the study, from Tom's of Maine, a manufacturer of natural ingredients for personal care products, found that two of the compounds, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were the most effective antibacterial substances.
These substances killed two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and two of the bacteria that promote gum disease, according to a Tom's statement.
One of the compounds - licoricidin - also killed a third gum disease bacterium. The researchers say that these substances could treat or even prevent oral infections.
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