Ah, the many ways to keep your teeth healthy: Brushing, flossing, and eating gummy bears. That's right. According to an article from this past Sunday's New York Post, a new study from researchers at the University of Washington reveals that the natural sweetener xylitol, which is used in Gummi Bears, may create healthy teeth.
Their suggested prescription?
Eat four gummy bears three times a day for six weeks. This will result in a low count of streptococcus mutans, a contributor to tooth decay. But, do not forget to make sure that they are made with xylitol which is also used in chewing gum (Orbit chewing gum and Trident gum). Interestingly, in China, Japan, and South Korea there's a brand of gum named "Xylitol" which contains the magic ingredient that keeps your teeth healthy.
Just when I thought I'd take a break from eating junk food. Gee, are there any other candies that can prevent tooth decay?
7-31-2008 @1:30PM cybele said... Xylitol is a sugar alcohol. It can have nasty digestive side effects for some folks. (So start slow if you don't know.)
There are also other candies with xylitol such as SparX (mints and fruit sours) and XyliChew (gum) that use it.
Unsweetened or barely sweetened chocolate also has similar plaque fighting properties.
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7-31-2008 @5:30PM RobynT said... Yep, the -tols (xylitol, sorbitol, etc.) give me gas. And they are everywhere. Do you know how hard it is to find chewing gum without -tols in them? Ugh.
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8-03-2008 @9:07PM Jess R said... Just remember: Xylitol can cause life-threatening issues for dogs (and maybe others, look it up). As much as they beg, avoid giving your pooch one of these gummies!
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