A lollipop that fights cavities

For the first time ever, sweets that could be beneficial for your teeth. UCLA scientists have developed a lollipop that helps fight cavities.

The developers of the lollipop studied more than 2,000 different herbs in an attempt to find a combination that would naturally fight the bacteria that leads to cavities. The surprising winner was licorice. When prepared a certain way -- soaked and then turned into a powder by evaporating all the liquid -- licorice root offers protection against cavities.

The lollipop's creators claim that if you suck on one of these herbal lollipops twice a day (e.g. one in the morning and another in the evening) for 10 days, your teeth will be protected from cavities for 3-6 months. Then you can start the lollipop-process all over again.

Using the lollipops doesn't replace brushing/flossing your teeth or visiting the dentist, of course. It's just touted as extra protection against cavities.

How can food help?

Food choices play an important role in the strength of your smile at any age, and can affect the amount of time you spend at the dentist.

Calcium: A prime ingredient for building strong teeth, especially for growing children. Dairy is a great source, with choices such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. And calcium isn't hiding in the fat, so skim milk and low-fat yogurt are just as good. Other options are leafy greens such as broccoli and bok choy, canned fish with bones, almonds and Brazil nuts, and dried beans.

Fiber: Eating high-fiber foods keeps saliva flowing, which helps create mineral defenses against tooth decay. Good sources are dried fruits such as dates, raisins, and figs. Other options are fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges; veggies such as baked beans, Brussels sprouts, and peas; peanuts, almonds, and bran.