ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Unsweetened cranberry juice acts like Teflon and keeps cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to teeth, a University of Rochester scientist says.
"Something in the cranberry juice disarms the pathogens that cause tooth decay," said oral biologist Hyun Koo.
He said cranberries may fight tooth decay the same way they fight urinary tract infections, by "inhibiting the adherence of pathogens on the surface of the bladder."
Koo's team found that cranberry juice disrupts formation of glucan, the building body of dental plaque, and stops more bacteria from "glomming on to the ever-growing goo."
While Koo said the berry shows promise, he did not recommend people fight cavities with typical sugar-added cranberry juice. Instead, he hoped to isolate the anti-cavity compounds to add to toothpaste and mouthwash.
The study, one of nine cranberry tests funded by the National Institutes of Health, is to be published in the January issue of Caries Research.
