Bad breath can be embarrassing, and many people start their day brushing and flossing their teeth to rid their mouths of it. Unfortunately, dental hygiene may not always completely eradicate your bad breath. You may have tried mints, chewing gum, extra doses of mouth rinse, or other methods of covering your offensive breath, but these techniques only mask the odor rather than eliminating it. Much research has been conducted in attempts to learn how to decisively defeat the stigma of halitosis. Today, your Milford dentists discuss one innovative study that suggests you try something you may not have thought of yet—magnolia tree bark.
Can Tree Bark Freshen Your Mouth?
Nature offers us many solutions treating and easing our health afflictions. Finding these natural medicines can sometimes be a daunting task, but once discovered, they can often be surprising. For instance, scientists have reported that magnolia, a popular evergreen tree noted for its fragrant blossoms, may have a more useful function than merely decorating the earth. Their study examined the germ-killing power of magnolia bark extract using saliva taken from volunteers after a regular meal. Within 30 minutes after being introduced to the saliva, mints containing the extract eliminated 61% of the oral bacteria that are responsible for foul breath. In comparison, the same flavorless mints were tested without the extract, and had a germ-killing success of only 3.6%.
Better Oral Health
The bacteria in your mouth do more than foul your breath; some of the germs lead to the onset of tooth decay and gum disease. Magnolia tree bark’s antibacterial powers give scientists hope that it can also benefit the fight against common, but destructive, oral diseases. The researchers hope to turn their findings into tangible results in the form of magnolia bark-enhanced toothpaste, mouthwash, and other dental products. Until then, however, brushing and flossing your teeth with currently available toothpaste (preferably with fluoride) and visiting your Milford dentist at least every six months is your best defense against embarrassing oral health issues.
To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling our office at (203) 878-6699. The specialists at Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry proudly serve patients and their families in Milford, Stratford, West Haven, New Haven, and all surrounding communities.