Suck on this: A lollipop that fights cavities

by Maggie Vink (Subscribe to Maggie Vink's posts)
Mar 23rd 2008 12:00PM

Categories: Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements

For the first time ever, a sweet tooth could be beneficial for... well... your teeth. A UCLA scientist has developed a lollipop that helps fight cavities. The developer of the lollipop studied more than 2,000 different herbs in an attempt to find a combination that would naturally fight the bacteria that leads to cavities. The surprising winner was licorice. When prepared a certain way -- soaked and then turned into a powder by evaporating all the liquid -- licorice root offers protection against cavities.

The lollipop's creator claims that if you suck on one of these herbal lollipops twice a day (e.g. one in the morning and another in the evening) for 10 days, your teeth will be protected from cavities for 3-6 months. Then you can start the lollipop-process all over again. Using the lollipops doesn't replace brushing/flossing your teeth or visiting the dentist, of course. It's just touted as extra protection against cavities.

Because the lollipops are all natural, herb-based products they don't require FDA approval. Therefore, none of the claims have been tested or verified by the FDA.

Source

Comments (12)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Abby 3-23-2008 @ 9:10PM

How can I become a blogger? is there any way? I am only 13 though, but I read thats fit everyday! I noticed you replied to another persons post Maggie, so I thought I would ask you!

Abby 3-23-2008 @ 9:08PM

sorry it wasn't that relevant...... i wouldn't take that lollipop though! It would probably taste terrible!

Maggie Vink 3-23-2008 @ 9:11PM

Hi Abby,

Thanks for much for being a faithful reader! We really appreciate the fresh voice and perspective that our younger readers bring.

I'm not sure what the policies are regarding age for our bloggers. I'll forward your comment on to our lead blogger for you, though.

Maggie

marcie0305 3-23-2008 @ 9:21PM

I would love to read posts from a 13 year old blogger about fitness & nutrition for kids :)

As for the lollipop, I am glad to see more herbal solutions coming into the limelight. Fluoride, for one thing, is great to help with populations that have poor dental hygiene, but often causes other problems in those that do not. I don't like it being used as a "catch-all". Anyway, I am curious what it is sweetened with...hopefully stevia or the like...

~Marcie
http://feedingblackmail.blogspot.com/

Will 3-24-2008 @ 8:39PM

I was pretty indifferent about dental hygiene for a lot of years and have since then done a 180, but take it from me--it might be a bitch to remind yourself to brush/floss/use mouthwash three or four times a day, but the alternative is extremely painful. I never went one day without being in terrible pain, not to mention knowing my teeth were rotting away and looked like gold-colored, weathered tombstones. I chew the gum that's supposed to help support hygiene, but this seems like a huge breakthrough. I can't wait to add it to my extensive dental gear reportoire. It's not like keeping these lollipops around would make me look like any more of dental hygiene freak; you should see my bathroom lol

Catte 3-24-2008 @ 8:43PM

where do i buy one!

Maggie Vink 3-24-2008 @ 8:45PM

Catte,

Right now you can buy them at http://drjohns.com/herbal/index.html

mike n 3-24-2008 @ 10:07PM

Is this another gimmick that is made in China that is waiting to choke someone in American?

mike n 3-24-2008 @ 10:07PM

This can't possibly replace brushing and flossing.

MamaWaden 3-24-2008 @ 11:07PM

The FDA is a farse anyway... ! They are in the back pockets of the pharmaceutical companies and food manufacturers! For the lolipops, I say why not!!!!!

Carly 3-28-2008 @ 5:42PM

This seems to be a great idea! I am hesitant only b/c when sugar free candy came out they were loaded with sugar alcohols that give you terrible gas and abdominal cramps- not to mention the occasional diarrhea. Hopefully there are no side effects to this pop b/c it sounds like a fabulous idea!

L 3-25-2008 @ 7:21AM

Fluoride, for one thing, is great to help with populations that have poor dental hygiene, but often causes other problems in those that do not. I don't like it being used as a "catch-all"
----------------------------------------
Actually...fluoride is toxic any way you slice it. Drunk in water, it's toxic to the kidneys, bones, and internal organs...taken in tablets, same thing. There is no "safe" way to use it...it IS a potent poison that destroys the body. Do the research...it's far uglier than the FDA and the ADA lead you to believe. Never, ever use fluoride for anything...it will NOT help your teeth...and it WILL cause serious health problems.