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| Some brands of chewing gum will soon include a
harmless bacteria found in yogurt, pickles and sourdough
bread. Gum that contains lactobacillus will hit stores
in 2007. Chewing it could lead to better dental
checkups, say scientists.
Lactobacillus reduces the
concentration of Streptococcus mutans, the bacterium
that causes cavities. Cavities occur because the S.
mutans bacteria colonize on teeth and convert sugar into
acids, which break down tooth enamel. Lactobacillus
prevents S. mutans bacteria from sticking to teeth.
Lactobacillus-containing gum will join another
cavity-preventing gum already on grocery shelves. Gum
with the artificial sweetener xylitol also suppresses
cavity-causing bacteria. |
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