Does Cinnamon-Flavored Gum Really Clean Your Breath?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of cinnamon-flavored gum in cleaning breath and reducing oral bacteria. It references research on the antibacterial properties of cinnamon and its potential benefits compared to unflavored gum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a study by Min Zhu and colleagues indicating that cinnamon-flavored gum can kill a significant percentage of oral bacteria linked to bad breath.
  • It is noted that unflavored gum did not affect bacterial numbers, while cinnamon gum was reported to kill half of all oral bacteria and 40 percent of specific types associated with bad breath.
  • Participants engage in light-hearted banter about the implications of the findings, with some joking about personal dental health.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential benefits of cinnamon-flavored gum based on the referenced study, but the discussion remains informal and does not delve into deeper scientific analysis or critique.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address the specific methodologies of the study or the broader implications of the findings. There is also no exploration of the limitations or potential biases in the research cited.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in oral health, the effects of flavor compounds on bacteria, or those looking for alternative breath freshening methods may find this discussion relevant.

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Go get some cinnamon flavored gum! :biggrin: http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040522/food.asp"

Min Zhu and her coworkers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry had been looking in mints and other common plants for essential oils that kill oral germs. Although many extracts showed promise, few proved as potent as oily cinnamic aldehyde, the principle flavor compound in cinnamon.

[..]

The unflavored gum didn't affect bacterial numbers at all. By contrast, the fully flavored cinnamon gum killed half of all oral bacteria and 40 percent of the types linked to bad breath. Among those were such species as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Peptostreptococcus micros.

http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040522/food.asp"
 
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Lol ... is that a hint? :D
 
No, that's an urgent advice :eek: :biggrin:
 
My teeth r fine thank you: :biggrin: if you want to have a closer look : :surprise: "AHhhhh ... " :approve: :wink: