Cranberry juice may help slow tooth decay by reducing harmful bacteria

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered that pure, unsweetened cranberry juice can slow the regrowth of dental plaque bacteria, according to ScienceDaily Health.

The researchers found that the juice reduced the production of acids by these bacteria, which are responsible for damaging tooth enamel.

The study suggests that naturally occurring compounds in cranberry juice, called proanthocyanidins, interfere with the harmful bacteria's ability to regrow and produce acids.

This finding points to a potential benefit of cranberry juice beyond its known use in preventing urinary tract infections.