14 DAY TRIAL // Experts have come to announce that a new chewing gum that is going to prevent tooth decay will be available soon on the market. Even if most of the companies which produce chewing gums promise to help consumers keep away from tooth decays, it seems that the newly developed gum will accomplish its "mission" of keeping mouth clean and free from bacteria. This is because the new chewing gum contains friendly bacteria usually found in live yogurts and already known for being beneficial against bowel conditions.
Streptococcus mutans is the bacteria responsible for damaging the enamel of our teeth and causing horrible decays which eventually lead to killing our denture. On the other hand, Lactobacillus bacteria are the friendly, anti-caries bacteria. They are contained in mouthwashes and toothpastes, yogurts and now they will be included in chewing gums, too. Until now, the Lactobacillus bacteria was known to destroy the layer of unfriendly bacteria forming on our teeth and also for its ability to treat bowels conditions. But the new research showed that the friendly bacteria can prevent body odor and the nasty smell produced by bacteria in our mouth.
The German company which is going to hit the shelves with the new friendly-bacteria chewing gum stated in an article published in the Chemistry and Industry Journal that the new product has been tested on many volunteers and it proved to be very potent against unfriendly bacteria and teeth cavities. "The effectiveness has been demonstrated and the first oral hygiene products containing probiotic lactobacilli are scheduled to appear in 2007," pointed out Dr. Andreas Reindl of the BASF German Company.
However, Dr. Gordon Watkins of the British Dental Association's Health and Science Committee warned that this does not mean that regular brushing of the teeth or visits to the dentist should be overlooked by people. "These new products will not remove the need to brush your teeth as their action is targeted against just one bacterium. It's not a substitute for brushing the teeth, because this removes the plaque that contains a whole range of bacteria that causes gum disease and bad breath. The best way to minimize tooth decay is to reduce consumption of sugars; strengthen the teeth through the use of fluoride; and brush teeth to remove dental plaque."