DOES SUGAR-FREE GUM WITH XYLITOL PREVENT CAVITIES?
Cleans and protects teeth. Helps prevent cavities. So say popular brands of sugar-free gum. But do their claims stand up to scrutiny? Many brands contain xylitol, a natural sweetener known to fight cavity-causing bacteria. But it's not clear that xylitol has much impact. Some research suggests that while sugar-free gum does prevent cavities, xylitol per se is not responsible. One new study, published this month in the Journal of the American Dental Association, tracked 691 adults for three years. The subjects were randomly assigned to groups consuming xylitol lozenges five times a day or a placebo. Those who received the xylitol had no statistically significant reduction in cavities. NEW YORK TIMES
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Nation
Business
US plans to impose major new tariffs on EVs, other Chinese green energy imports, AP sources say
The Biden administration plans to impose major new tariffs on electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar equipment and medical supplies imported from China, according to a U.S. official and another person familiar with the plan.
Business
James Simons, mathematician, philanthropist and hedge fund founder, has died
James ''Jim'' Simons, a renowned mathematician and pioneering investor who built a fortune on Wall Street and then became one of the nation's biggest philanthropists, has died at age 86.
Nation
A Republican operative is running for Congress in Georgia with Trump's blessing. Will it be enough?
Brian Jack came home to Georgia with former President Donald Trump's endorsement and a stack of Washington contacts. Now he just has to close the sale with GOP primary voters in the safely Republican 3rd Congressional District as he makes his first run for office.
Business
Legal Marijuana Now Party loses major status with Minnesota Supreme Court ruling
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Friday booted the Legal Marijuana Now Party as a major political party in the state.
Sports
45-year-old pleads guilty in theft of bronze Jackie Robinson statue from Kansas park
A 45-year-old man has pleaded guilty in the theft of a bronze Jackie Robinson statue that was cut off at the ankles and found days later smoldering in a trash can in a city park in Kansas.