Dental chewing gum may go to war

[The Straight Story]

Dental chewing gum may go to war

LEXINGTON, Ky., Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Deployed U.S. soldiers may soon be chewing gum that fights cavities, University of Kentucky researchers say.

Principal investigator Abeer Al-Ghananeem of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and colleagues are developing a dental gum for soldiers in situations that do not allow brushing and flossing.

The chewing gum contains an anti-microbial -- KSL -- that disrupts plaque formation. The researchers say reducing plaque on the teeth will help prevent dental decay and worsening dental problems.

The researchers have been testing the gum in the laboratory using a chewing machine that simulates human chewing -- complete with artificial saliva.


http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/12/26/Dental-chewing-gum-may-go-to-war/UPI-78501261803974/