Tag: Dental plaque

Research has consistently shown that erythritol, a sugar alcohol, possesses distinct antibacterial properties, particularly beneficial for oral health. Unlike sugar, it is not fermentable by many harmful bacteria and actively inhibits their growth and adhesion, which helps reduce plaque formation and the risk of tooth decay.

In 1987, the World Health Organization endorsed the use of chewing sticks as a culturally appropriate and effective oral hygiene tool. This historical and scientific backing prompts the question: **are chewing sticks healthy**, and how do they compare to modern dental care methods?

According to the World Health Organization, sucrose is the most cariogenic sugar, while lactose holds the lowest cariogenic potential among common mono- and disaccharides. This stark difference explains why lactose is less cariogenic than sucrose, an important factor in dental health.

While the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is well-known, a 2018 study published in *PLoS ONE* found that chewing an apple does not effectively remove dental plaque and may even favor plaque regrowth within 24 hours. This reveals the popular belief that **do apples remove plaque buildup?** to be more myth than fact.

Approximately 25% of Americans chew gum regularly, while many others rely on mints for a quick breath refresher. When weighing the health impacts, a key question for many is: are mints healthier than gum? The answer isn't as straightforward as it seems, and depends heavily on ingredients, usage, and your specific health goals.