Manuka Honey and Cavities

Natural bacteria found in saliva combine with food particles, particularly sugary and starchy carbohydrates, and form acids that attack your teeth and cause cavities. Studies suggest that a substance found only in types of manuka honey may help prevent plaque from damaging calcium phosphate in tooth enamel, according to a study in the April 2004 issue of "Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology." High-grade manuka honey, produced from manuka trees native to New Zealand, may help prevent and reduce plaque buildup, leading to lower risk of tooth decay.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is prevalent, especially in young people. The chemical reaction in your mouth after eating and drinking produces plaque, a sticky coating that often concentrates just above the gum line, along the edges of old fillings, and on back molars. If plaque isn't removed thoroughly and regularly, you could get cavities. If the decay isn't removed, you could develop a painful abscess or lose a tooth.

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is used to treat ulcers, infections and other conditions. Unprocessed honey contains substances that generate a common antibacterial agent, hydrogen peroxide. Potency varies widely depending on region, nectar source, and other conditions. Hydrogen peroxide degrades when exposed to heat or direct sunlight, however, making its benefits unreliable. The manuka bush has a unique antibacterial property of its own that is transferred to honey produced from its nectar, according to researchers at New Zealand's University of Waikato. Studies show that the combined antibacterial agents in manuka honey may be more effective than other types of honey.

Unique Manuka Factor

University of Waikato researchers found the component in manuka honey that makes it unique is primarily methylglyoxal, a free-radical-promoting phytochemical. MGO potency is also affected by environmental variables. Manuka honey's use as a topical dressing motivated New Zealand scientists to develop an assay that determines MGO levels, along with a grading system to standardize the industry. Higher "Unique Manuka Factor" levels correlate with higher level of MGO. The British newspaper "The Telegraph" reported that a UMF of 10 or above is reputed to be effective.

Evidence

As a sugary carbohydrate, you might expect honey to cause cavities. But studies show that manuka honey's antibacterial agents help prevent tooth decay. In one 21-day study, one group chewed semi-solid strips of manuka honey leather for 10 minutes after meals, three times a day. A second group chewed sugarless gum, according to a study published in the April 2004 issue of "Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology." Test results indicated that manuka honey significantly reduced plaque buildup and gingivitis. Sugarless gum had no statistical effect.

Prevention

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day helps prevent cavities, according to MedLine Plus. Proper oral hygiene includes getting your teeth cleaned every six months. You may not even be aware you have a cavity until it affects a root and begins to hurt. Snacking between meals, especially on sticky foods and sugary drinks, leads to a higher risk of cavities. Snacking keeps oral acids active and sticky foods help plaque adhere to your teeth. Drink water instead of soda and brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after you snack to help prevent decay.