How Pickles Could Help Your Oral Health
We’ve always been told that anytime you eat food residue builds up as plaque and, as a result, we have to brush our teeth and floss to prevent the plaque from becoming tartar which can lead to cavities. But what if there was another way to help prevent cavities? One that doesn’t require toothpaste or dental floss. What if eating pickles helped reduce this process?
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Chengdu University in China, two nations who are very passionate about pickles recently discovered probiotics produced in Chinese pickles can slow the buildup of plaque. The research team found that out of 54 strains of Lactobacilli, one strain, L. Plantarum K41, found in Sichuan pickles, significantly reduced the indigence and severity of cavities. Additionally, K41 was found to be highly tolerant of acids and salts which provides additional benefits for harsh oral environments. To make it even sweeter, this Lactobacilli can have potential commercial value when added to dairy products.
Why this is important?
Cavities are caused by S. (Streptococcus) mutants and are a significant contributor to tooth decay. K41, the Lactobacilli found in the Sichuan pickle, is a probiotic that reduced S. mutants found in oral cavities by 98.4%. Essentially, this means these pickles are helping to fight plaque and tooth decay naturally. While it doesn’t look like pickles are going to replace brushing your teeth one thing is for certain: Chinese pickles could be the key in preventative dentistry in the coming years.
Preventative care is vital in maintaining a healthy mouth. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and drinking plenty of water are just a few ways of practicing good oral hygiene. Additionally, visiting your dentist regularly is essential to make sure your teeth are healthy, and to make sure there aren’t any potential issues on the horizon.
To read the official research article, click here.
