Researchers in New Zealand conducted laboratory research to test the effect of honey on several species of dental plaque bacteria. Researchers tested unprocessed honey with midrange antibacterial potency and found that honey protects against tooth decay.
Honey has components that prevent dental plaque from forming.
Researchers measured the amount acid produced by these bacteria and found that honey sharply reduced the quantity. Honey also stopped the bacteria from producing dextran, which is a component of dental plaque. The researchers say that unprocessed honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide. The guess is that it is mainly responsible for the unlikely antimicrobial activity of honey. The researchers also say that the honey also made a difference in fighting inflammatory infections of the gum, and they say that honey could be used in treating periodontal disease and gingivitis, which are inflammatory conditions resulting from infected gums.