Types of honey differ greatly in their antimicrobial activity by as much as a hundred fold on occasion. The research shows that honey not only stops the growth of dental plaque bacteria, it reduces the amount of acid produced, which inhibits the bacteria in the mouth from making dextran. Dextran, a component of dental plaque, is the gummy polysaccharide that the bacteria produce in order to adhere to the surface of the teeth. Dr. Molan's research reveals potential for the use of selected highly antimicrobial types of honey in the treatment of periodontal disease and gingivitis, inflammatory conditions resulting from gum infection. The factors involved are similar to those found in inflamed and infected wounds.
Clinical research shows that honey is gentle on tissue and rapidly removes swelling and pain.
It also stimulates cells that repair the tissues damaged by infection. According to the release, Dr. Molan heads the University of Waikato Honey research Unit, recognized for its expertise in the composition of honey, including antimicrobial activity. In New Zealand and Australia, honey producers have batches of honey tested in the laboratory to identify the samples with high activity. Those types are now labeled and marketed as antiseptic. The National Honey Board is now coordinating efforts to have varieties of honey found in the United States tested to identify the floral types that have good antimicrobial activity.