--- title: "Pure cranberry juice slowed dental plaque regrowth and cut acid production in a small University of Illinois Chicago study" description: "In a 22-person study, unsweetened cranberry juice affected the bacteria behind cavities in both children and adults, while added sugar may undo the…" url: https://lifestyle-health.skoop.news/scientists-discover-that-cranberry-juice-may-help-fight-toot-d13e91/ published: 2026-10-29T23:36:34.485172-04:00 modified: 2026-10-29T23:36:34.491616-04:00 section: "Lifestyle & Health" publisher: "skoop.news" language: en keywords: ["University of Illinois Chicago", "University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry", "Department of Pediatric Dentistry", "College of Dentistry", "Christine D", "Christine Wu", "health"] hashtags: ["#UniversityOfIllinoisChicago", "#DepartmentOfPediatricDentistry", "#Health", "#lifestyle", "#wellness"] image: https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Sree_Uthradam_Thirunal_Super_Speciality_Hospital%2C_Pattom_2.jpg/1280px-Sree_Uthradam_Thirunal_Super_Speciality_Hospital%2C_Pattom_2.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail --- # Pure cranberry juice slowed dental plaque regrowth and cut acid production in a small University of Illinois Chicago study > In a 22-person study, unsweetened cranberry juice affected the bacteria behind cavities in both children and adults, while added sugar may undo the benefit. Published 2026-10-29 · Updated 2026-10-29 · Lifestyle & Health, [skoop.news](https://skoop.news/) ## In brief - Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice slowed the regrowth of dental plaque bacteria and reduced their production of tooth-damaging acids, according to researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) - Plaque microorganisms feed on sugars from food and drinks. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) - The small human study involved 22 participants, including 14 children and eight adults. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) ## What the researchers found Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice slowed the regrowth of dental plaque bacteria and reduced their production of tooth-damaging acids, according to researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) The effects appeared in both adults and children. [[2]](https://knowridge.com/2026/10/pure-cranberry-juice-may-slow-the-bacteria-behind-tooth-decay/) Plaque exposed to the unsweetened juice showed slower regrowth than unexposed plaque samples. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Swishing with pure cranberry juice also reduced acid production in plaque from both children and adults. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Orange and apple juice, other commonly consumed fruit juices, have not shown the same promise in this research context. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) ## Why plaque acids matter Plaque microorganisms feed on sugars from food and drinks. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) They produce acids that gradually weaken tooth enamel and contribute to cavities. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Christine Wu, a researcher at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, has been investigating whether cranberry juice could help protect teeth from harmful bacteria. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Wu is a professor of pediatric dentistry. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Wu said that most people think of cranberry juice as very sour, very acidic and sugary. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) The study found the opposite regarding its effects on plaque and acid production. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) ## How the study worked The small human study involved 22 participants, including 14 children and eight adults. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Participants were randomly assigned to one of three beverages: pure unsweetened 100% cranberry juice, a cranberry juice cocktail containing 27% juice and added sugar, or plain water. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Most earlier cranberry juice studies had used laboratory-prepared cranberry juice extract, and limited studies had been performed in children. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Wu chose to test pure cranberry juice, a product people can readily purchase and consume, rather than isolated cranberry compounds. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Cranberry juice has long been used to help prevent urinary tract infections. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can interfere with the ability of certain bacteria, including E. coli, to attach to cells. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) ## Where the study was published The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports, and the study was reported as dated 23 June 2026. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) [[3]](https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-a-surprising-dental-benefit-of-cranberry-juice/) It was authored by Christine D. Wu, Wei Li, Monique Luu, Evelina Kratunova and Qian Xie. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) The research was partially supported by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago. [[3]](https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-a-surprising-dental-benefit-of-cranberry-juice/) ## The taste problem The intense tart flavor of pure cranberry juice is a challenge, and some people may find it unpleasant without added sweetness. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) Added sugar can fuel the bacteria that produce tooth-damaging acids, potentially offsetting benefits from cranberry compounds. [[2]](https://knowridge.com/2026/10/pure-cranberry-juice-may-slow-the-bacteria-behind-tooth-decay/) Wu suggested that an appropriate sugar substitute could be added to make cranberry juice more palatable. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) She believes the results could eventually support developing cranberry juice as a functional beverage with benefits for oral health. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) ## What it means for you If you drink cranberry juice, the type matters. The beverages tested included pure unsweetened 100% juice and a cocktail with 27% juice and added sugar. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) The slower plaque regrowth and lower acid production were reported for the pure juice group. [[2]](https://knowridge.com/2026/10/pure-cranberry-juice-may-slow-the-bacteria-behind-tooth-decay/) Added sugar can fuel the bacteria that produce tooth-damaging acids, potentially offsetting benefits from cranberry compounds. [[2]](https://knowridge.com/2026/10/pure-cranberry-juice-may-slow-the-bacteria-behind-tooth-decay/) The pure juice is intensely tart, which some people may find unpleasant. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) The study was small, with 22 participants. [[1]](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) ## Sources 1. [Scientists discover that cranberry juice may help fight tooth decay](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261028232701.htm) — ScienceDaily 2. [Pure cranberry juice may slow tooth decay](https://knowridge.com/2026/10/pure-cranberry-juice-may-slow-the-bacteria-behind-tooth-decay/) — Knowridge Science Report 3. [Scientists Discover a Surprising Dental Benefit of Cranberry Juice](https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-a-surprising-dental-benefit-of-cranberry-juice/) — SciTechDaily Image: Photo (illustrative): Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sree_Uthradam_Thirunal_Super_Speciality_Hospital,_Pattom_2.jpg) --- Written from the sources above and checked twice (rules and an independent model) before publishing. How we work: https://skoop.news/how-we-work/ · Corrections: https://skoop.news/corrections/