When they were little, my kids knew the rule for eating lollipops: “Six licks and in the garbage,” but Professor Wenyuan Shi, a microbiologist, has changed all that.
A few years ago, dentistry professor and microbiologist Wenyuan Shi discovered an ingredient derived from licorice roots that combats a main bacterium that causes tooth decay. Now, this ingredient is infused in a kosher, sugar-free, orange-flavored, bacteria-killing lollipop. Two dental schools took over and did clinical trials and found they can stop about 95% of cavities in kids by using the herbal lollipops and following some common sense rules. Even with the lollipops though, Shi says don’t stop brushing. “It’s important for a lot of reasons beyond cavity fighting.”
Even though dental cleanings, nightly brushing and flossing can get rid of plaque and reduce tooth decay, they don’t target the bacteria, he said. The bad bacteria grow back rapidly because your mouth is the perfect incubator, providing just the right temperature and a generous food supply.
While he does not advocate people giving up brushing, cleaning and other preventive measures, Shi does recommend that at-risk users consume a lollipop twice a day, once after breakfast and again before bed, for 10 days. Then, to maintain effectiveness, they should use the lollipop two to four times a year, or as directed by their dentist. Since it takes five minutes to kill bacteria, the lollipop is the perfect slow-release device, he said. The active ingredient in the lollipop is an extract of Chinese licorice root that has been shown in the laboratory to kill the major organisms that trigger tooth decay.
“This is really an anti-germ lollipop and it can prevent and protect you from tooth decay,” Shi said. “We really recognize the power of Asian herbs.”
Shi took 2,000 herbs, such as those available in a Chinese remedy store, and conducted more than 50,000 experiments, looking for a natural enemy to cavity-causing bacteria.
“To our great surprise, we were left with licorice,” Shi said. The licorice root extract in his lollipop can effectively kill streptococcus mutans, a common bacterium that is responsible for making holes in your teeth by releasing harmful cavity-causing acids. Only 15 milligrams of licorice powder per lollipop eliminates 99.9% of this bacteria in the mouth within five to 10 minutes.
Before the growth of cavities, harmful bacteria in the mouth produce acids that create holes in the outermost layer of the teeth. Streptococcus mutans is one of the more virulent cavity-causing bacteria, and the licorice root extract specifically kills only the harmful bacteria in the mouth, not other beneficial bacteria, said Aria Eshraghi, a microbiology graduate student who worked with Shi.
First the licorice root must be soaked to draw out the potency of the anti-cavity compound. Then when the liquid evaporates, what’s left is a cavity-blasting powder component.
Take the Test: Could You Benefit from Herbal Lollipops? Low Cavity Risk
No restorations (fillings or crowns) placed during the past three years due to decay or cavities and no common factors that increase the risk of cavities. Herbal lollipops are not necessary.
Moderate Cavity Risk
One or two restorations (fillings or crowns) placed during the past three years due to decay or cavities and at least one common factor that increases the risk of cavities. Use herbal lollipops for 10 days once every six months.
High Cavity Risk
Three or four restorations (fillings or crowns) placed during the past three years due to decay or cavities and at least two common factors that increase the risk of cavities. Use herbal lollipops for 10 days once every three months.
Common Factors That Increase the Risk of Decay or Cavities
• Poor oral hygiene
• Frequent consumption of foods, drinks or other items containing sugar
• Significant quantities of decay causing bacteria
• Numerous fillings
• Sporadic dental care
• Little or no exposure to fluoride
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Exposed root surfaces
• Active orthodontics (braces)
How Do I Use the Herbal Lollipops?
Use one lollipop in the morning and one lollipop in the evening for 10 consecutive days.
Because the lollipops are so effective at targeting the bacteria, it is recommended that you do not exceed the two to four times a year program. It is not recommended to use the herbal lollipops more often than prescribed. If you want a sugar-free lollipop that doesn’t promote tooth decay—we can recommend other sugar- free candies.
If you would like to purchase these lollipops, they are available now at $15 per pack of 20 lollipops. Call us at (718) 339-7982—pick up in Brooklyn or Deal.
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Dr. Doueck has practiced restorative dentistry in the community since 1977, and has training in advanced restorative dentistry and implant dentistry. He is a clinical consultant to the Dental Advisor, a monthly publication. He is certified by the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
