Raisins are good for your teeth

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Compounds found in raisins can help fight the bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease, according to new research.
Raisins are well known as a healthy snack but there has been concern that their sweetness might promote tooth decay. In fact, the reverse may be true. Scientists at the University of Illinois and Chicago College of Dentistry have identified five compounds in raisins of which one, oleanolic acid, can fight oral bacteria.

In experiments, oleanolic acid stopped the growth of species of bacteria known to cause cavities and gum disease. Previous research has shown that adding raisins to bran cereal does not promote the formation of plaque. But raisin cereal bran with added sugar does. The message seems to be that added sugar causes tooth decay but raisins may protect against it.

Source
American Society for Microbiology meeting 8th June 2005

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