Recent studies have indicated that licorice may be an effective cavity fighter, which might sound odd when considering how dentists once tried to convince children to stop eating licorice candy. Licorice is an herb that has often been used in sore throat remedies, as well as for relief of digestive and respiratory illness. But it is important to distinguish the difference between licorice the herb and licorice products in the candy isle.
Now a study published in the Journal of Natural Products suggests that dentists might want to change their outlook on licorice and might even recommend it as a preventative for not only tooth decay, but periodontal disease, too. The dried root of licorice is the basis of the study, which was sponsored by Tom's of Maine, a company devoted to natural care under the umbrella of Colgate-Palmolive.
Stefan Gafner, Ph.D., heightens awareness that two compounds found in licorice root are antibacterial and prevent many bacteria that are instrumental in gum disease and tooth decay from growing. Both licorisoflavan A and licoricidin were shown to inhibit two gum disease bacteria in the research, and a third bacterium was inhibited by licoricidin.
But it's candy, can dentist still say it's good for you?
In reality, modern day licorice candy does not have any licorice in it and doesn't promise to serve as a cavity preventive. Candy is made from anise oil, similar in taste, but with no medicinal properties. Additionally, licorice should not be used unless it is approved by a doctor because it can cause serious side effects when taken along with some prescription medicines.
Common Additional Uses of the Licorice Herb
Anti bacterial properties of licorice are proven. This makes it a common additive to many all natural dental products. However, would you believe that it's also being tested as and anti-viral. Many countries are rapidly testing it's application in common viral diseases, including Hep-C. In our dental office, Prestonbrook Dental, is located in Frisco, TX. We have see many common health issues that stem from bad oral hygiene.
Ancient eastern medicine has always relied heavily on the licorice root. The Chinese have used it as an adjunct to many herbal remedies. Making it's applications much broader than just the dental market. Bacteria, inflammation, and anti parasite applications are all common uses of licorice in ancient medicinal practices.
This new study doesn't come as a complete surprise to the dentist population. In 2009, a symposium by Wenyuan Shi, Ph.D., showed the results of a study on children of Native Americans and Alaska Native youth that indicated lollipops with licorice plant extract in them killed bacteria that cause cavities.
Now a study published in the Journal of Natural Products suggests that dentists might want to change their outlook on licorice and might even recommend it as a preventative for not only tooth decay, but periodontal disease, too. The dried root of licorice is the basis of the study, which was sponsored by Tom's of Maine, a company devoted to natural care under the umbrella of Colgate-Palmolive.
Stefan Gafner, Ph.D., heightens awareness that two compounds found in licorice root are antibacterial and prevent many bacteria that are instrumental in gum disease and tooth decay from growing. Both licorisoflavan A and licoricidin were shown to inhibit two gum disease bacteria in the research, and a third bacterium was inhibited by licoricidin.
But it's candy, can dentist still say it's good for you?
In reality, modern day licorice candy does not have any licorice in it and doesn't promise to serve as a cavity preventive. Candy is made from anise oil, similar in taste, but with no medicinal properties. Additionally, licorice should not be used unless it is approved by a doctor because it can cause serious side effects when taken along with some prescription medicines.
Common Additional Uses of the Licorice Herb
Anti bacterial properties of licorice are proven. This makes it a common additive to many all natural dental products. However, would you believe that it's also being tested as and anti-viral. Many countries are rapidly testing it's application in common viral diseases, including Hep-C. In our dental office, Prestonbrook Dental, is located in Frisco, TX. We have see many common health issues that stem from bad oral hygiene.
Ancient eastern medicine has always relied heavily on the licorice root. The Chinese have used it as an adjunct to many herbal remedies. Making it's applications much broader than just the dental market. Bacteria, inflammation, and anti parasite applications are all common uses of licorice in ancient medicinal practices.
This new study doesn't come as a complete surprise to the dentist population. In 2009, a symposium by Wenyuan Shi, Ph.D., showed the results of a study on children of Native Americans and Alaska Native youth that indicated lollipops with licorice plant extract in them killed bacteria that cause cavities.