Strawberry fruit juices can prevent the formation of dental plaque that can trigger the appearance of the teeth and mouth disease, say researchers from the University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta Rahmi Amalia Ayu Budi.
"The content of the material in the form of natural sweetener xylitol and polyphenols in strawberries proved capable of reducing the colonization of 'Streptococcus mutans' which could inhibit the activity of the enzyme so as to prevent plaque formation," he said in Yogyakarta on Monday.
Thus, according to him when describing his research, strawberry juice consumption have a significant effect in reducing dental plaque index.
He said, in general strawberries contain nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, and energy. Potential minerals contained therein are calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamin C and folic acid.
"Strawberries are also shown to have antioxidant activity two-fold higher than red wine, five times that of apples and bananas, and ten times that of watermelon," he said.
So, according to him, strawberries have many benefits for human health, including reducing the accumulation of dental plaque which can prevent the emergence of the teeth and mouth disease.
He said the plaque is the main cause that triggered the emergence of dental and oral diseases, including caries (cavities), calculus (tartar), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth).
"Given the plaque formation is a process that can not be avoided, then reduce the accumulation of plaque into the boiling is important in preventing the formation of teeth and mouth disease. One of them with strawberry juice," he said.
According to him, by drinking strawberry juice, sour flavor will stimulate salivary secretion in high numbers. As a result, become more watery saliva and salivary viscosity becomes lower.
"Finally, dental plaque can be reduced so that the appearance of the teeth and mouth disease is also preventable," said student Studies Program of Dentistry, University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) it.