FROM THE DOCTOR'S DESK

Cavity Fighting Gummy Bears

Gummy bears may become the latest weapon in the fight against cavities in children.  Scientists at the University of Washington have developed gummy bears that contain xylitol.  Xylitol is a tooth-protecting sugar substitute that reduces plaque that is responsible for tooth decay. Xylitol is already used in chewing gum for adults. Future studies are needed, but the scientists advocate that distributing the gummy bears in classrooms may help reduce one of the most common childhood diseases in the world, tooth decay.

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