Cranberries May Benefit Teeth

Cranberries' protective propertiesmay help thwart toothdecay and cavities, according tothe findings of a study reportedin Caries Research (January2006). The study involved coatinga synthetic material thatacts like tooth enamel (hydroxyapatite)with cranberry juice.The researchers then appliedthe cavity-causing bacteriaStreptococcus mutans, plaque,or glucan—a type of enzymethat builds plaque. After 7months, the results showed thatcranberries were about 80%effective in protecting teeth,said Hyun Koo, DDS, MS, PhD.

Dr. Koo warned against individualsdrinking or eating largeamounts of cranberry-containingproducts because of the sugaradded by the food industry. Hesaid that more laboratory testsare necessary.