It is mainly known for being a sickly sweet candy that rots teeth but liquorice could actually hold the key to conquering tooth decay, say scientists.
New research suggests the legume has natural plant chemicals that kill mouth bacteria and prevent the build up of plaque.
Laboratory experiments showed trans-chalone, a compound related to those found in liquorice root, blocked the action of a key enzyme that allows the bugs to thrive in oral cavities.
The bacteria, streptococcus mutans, metabolise sugars from food and drink, which produces a mild acid and leads to the formation of plaque. Without good dental hygiene, the combination of plaque and mouth acid can lead to tooth decay.
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