If you want to protect your teeth from the decay and other disease, you should include licorice (the plant that has similar taste to anise, star anise or fennel and which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and called the ‘sweet root’) to your menu. According to the latest researches, scientists have identified two substances found in this plant that are powerful enough to kill the main bacteria responsible for the tooth decay and gum disease. These substances also play a great role in prevention of other tooth and gum disease and their treatment.
Stefan Gafner and his colleagues have researched that dried licorice root, common in Chinese traditional medical remedies and food helps not only to treat a great variety of illnesses, such as eczema, indigestion or respiratory problems. This root can also help you to protect your teeth from gum disease and decay. However, before starting to use licorice root, you should consult with your family doctor, because it may contain components that can trigger side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements or
medications.
In order to find a proof that licorice root has ability to fight against bacteria causing gum disease and decay, researchers decided to take a closer look at various substances that can be found in this plant. They found that two compounds that have effective antibacterial powers. After some research it was proved that these compounds kill the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease and heal or even prevent oral infections. So, when your child starts asking for candies, don’t make him upset but give licorice candies.