THURSDAY, July 24 (HealthDay News) -- Gummy bears with the sugar
substitute xylitol may help prevent tooth decay in children,
according to a U.S. study.
Researchers gave children four xylitol-sweetened gummy bears
three times a day during school hours. After six weeks, there were
significant reductions in the levels of harmful
mutans streptococci(MS) bacteria in the children's plaque.
MS is known to cause tooth decay.
Xylitol, a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol that's frequently
used as a sweetener, has been shown to reduce levels of MS. Xylitol
chewing gums are available but aren't considered suitable for
younger children.
"For xylitol to be successfully used in oral health promotion
programs amongst primary school children, an effective means of
delivering xylitol must be identified. Gummy bears would seem to be
more ideal than chewing gum," research leader Kiet A. Ly, of the
University of Washington, said in a BioMed Central news
release.
"Based on our findings, it is feasible to develop a clinical
trial of a gummy-based (cavity) prevention program. Such a study is
now being carried out in the East Cleveland primary school
district," Ly said.
The findings were published in the journal
BMC Oral Health.
More information
The American Dental Association has more about
tooth decay.
