Bee Substance Possible Fighter of Tooth Decay
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A material made by bees to protect their hives prevents tooth decay in rats and may work as well in humans, Brazilian and American researchers have found. The material is propolis, a glue-like substance that is used to hold the hive together, to seal holes and to keep the hive clean. Bees create it by collecting secretions from trees and other plants, chewing them up and mixing them with beeswax.
The team from the University of Rochester in New York and the State University of Campinas reported that propolis cut the cavity rate in rats by 60% and virtually halted the activity of a key enzyme that forms dental plaque. They hope to test it in humans soon.
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Compiled by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II
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