Nature's Cure: Do Plants Benefit Oral Health? by Dr. Christine Wu, Lunch and Learn Presentation
Wednesday, April 23: 12:30 - 1:30 PM in Lecture Hall South
In recent years, much attention has been focused on research and education related to the identification of food components, and development of food products with disease preventing and health promoting benefits, i.e. the "functional foods". Numerous naturally occuring components in foods and vegetables have been shown to promote health and reduce risks for many common diseases. Despite these advances, the general public seems less aware of foods that promote oral health.
Plants including fruits and vegetables contain biologically active phytochemicals that suppress oral bacteria associated with caries, periodontal disease, and other oral diseases. The presentation will include data obtained from laboratory and human studies demonstrating how selected plant-based food/beverages and plant-derived compounds may help reduce oral malodor, dental plaque formation, acid production, strengthen dental hard tissue, and protect tooth enamel and dentin from demineralization. The added oral health benefits of plans will positively contribute to a person's overall health and wellbeing.
Sponsored by the UIC College of Dentistry
