Natural unsweetened cranberry juice can slow the formation of dental plaque and neutralize the acids that erode tooth enamel, according to researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, infohub.kz reports.
The findings of the scientific experiment were published in the journal Scientific Reports. Cranberries were previously associated mainly with preventing urinary tract infections, but the new tests showed they may also benefit oral health.
The protective effect comes from proanthocyanidins, natural compounds found in the berries. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent bacteria from attaching to tissues. In the mouth, plaque microorganisms feed on sugars from food and release acids that leach minerals and gradually destroy enamel. The research team set out to test how an affordable store-bought drink affects the bacterial microflora of the teeth.
The clinical trial involved 22 volunteers: 14 children and eight adults. Participants were randomly divided into three groups and asked to rinse their mouths with pure 100% cranberry juice, a sweetened cranberry cocktail containing 27% juice, or plain water. Plaque samples were collected with cotton swabs before the procedure and 30 minutes after rinsing.
The analysis showed that the pure drink slowed the regrowth of bacterial colonies and significantly reduced acid production in both children and adults. Study author Christine Wu noted that other juices, such as apple or orange, do not produce a similar effect. The experts suggest that pure cranberry juice could be used as a mouthwash in the future.