Written By Kevin Kerfoot / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

A probiotic derived from Chinese pickles prevent cavities, says researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Chengdu University where pickles are an integral part of the diet in the southwest of China.

The study - published in Frontiers in Microbiology – states that a strain of Lactobacilli (L. plantarum K41) found in Sichuan pickles reduced S. mutans by 98.4 percent. Dental caries - or cavities - are caused by Streptococcus mutans - or S. mutans - commonly found in the human oral cavity as plaque and is a significant contributor to tooth decay.

The researchers evaluated 14 different types of Sichuan pickles from southwest China. When fruits and vegetables are fermented, healthy bacteria break down the natural sugars. These bacteria - also known as probiotics - not only preserve foods but offer numerous benefits including immune system regulation, stabilization of the intestinal microbiota, reducing cholesterol levels, and now inhibiting tooth decay.

They extracted 54 different strains of Lactobacilli and found that one, L. plantarum K41, significantly reduced the incidence and severity of cavities. K41 was also highly tolerant of acids and salts, an additional benefit as a probiotic for harsh oral conditions.

Saving your natural teeth is important, survey discovers

A recent survey conducted by the American Association of Endodontists  dedicated towards figuring out what Americans believe is worth saving tells us that millennials care about saving their natural teeth just as much as any other aspect of their body.

The results reveal that the top reasons people value saving their natural teeth are because “it’s healthier” and “it gives you a better appearance.” Sixty-one percent of women feel strongly that saving their natural teeth helps them feel better about themselves compared to 51 percent of men.

Twenty-four percent of millennials ranked teeth as the number one thing they would save or maintain about their body compared to baby boomers’ preference for saving their eyesight - 37 percent. More than 95 percent of people say it’s important to save your natural teeth.

In another survey, 48 percent of respondents would make an appointment to see their dentist if they experienced tooth pain. Roughly half of the respondents said if they were to feel tooth pain, they would only wait between two and six days to seek treatment. Twenty-three percent said they would seek treatment that same day.

"Endodontists have at least two extra years of specialized training in root canal procedures, and are better equipped to handle the intricacies of different cases and potential complications that can occur," says AAE President Dr. Keith V. Krell. "In addition to using the most sophisticated technology, endodontists prioritize patient comfort, ensuring root canal procedures are virtually painless."

 “We tend to take our bodies for granted, so it’s great to learn younger people really understand the importance of dental health. Endodontists take pride in using advanced training, specialized techniques and superior technologies to perform root canal treatment and help everyone keep their natural teeth.”

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

With over 30 years of writing and editing experience for newspapers, magazines and corporate communications, Kevin Kerfoot writes about natural health, nutrition, skincare and oral hygiene for Trusted Health Products’ natural health blog and newsletter.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Natalie Rhea on Unsplash