Bark kills bad breath bacteria for good dental hygiene Updated: 5/23/2008 2:00:21 PM Print Article Email Article           Most people are aware than brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash are good ways to combat bad breath, but few realize that tree bark could also be beneficial. Research has shown that magnolia bark extract, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for centuries, can be effective in killing the bacteria that causes halitosis, or bad breath. Most halitosis occurs when bacteria in the mouth breaks down proteins, causing nasty-smelling sulphur compounds, according to Dentistry.co.uk. Chewing gum and mints simply mask this smell, but magnolia bark extract could remove it altogether. Researchers at chewing gum manufacturer Wrigley tested the extract on three types of oral micro-organisms and found that it killed 99.9 per cent of them within five minutes. They were so impressed with the result that they are now planning on bringing out a tree-bark chewing gum in the US later this year. Researchers at Glasgow University Dental School recently claimed to have discovered new bacteria that are responsible for causing bad breath. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Best man teeth? Try Madison, Wisconsin f... California proposes massive cuts in dent... Poor economy increasing dental emergenci... Dentists donate 2 days of dental care fo... Dental care for woman who superglued her... Dental care for woman superglued her tee... Dentist: Yearly visit minimum for dental... Dentist: Teeth fall out with lack of den... Sugarless gum can help with dental healt... Straightened teeth can enhance dental he... Nonprofit offers free dental care to at-... Director: Fluoride could improve dental ... Tongue piercing may negatively impact de... Director: North Carolina has dental care... AGD: Tap water better for dental health Dentist clears up dental care myths on m... Study: Dental health important for HIV i... New surgical laser provides hi-tech dent... BBC: Number of children needing dental c... Completeness, not order, counts in prope...

Search Plans & Dentists - F.A.Q.'s - Tell a Friend About Us - Bookmark This Page - Receive Our Newsletter - Return to Home Page