Company says its dental lollipops help fight tooth decay

CariFree, the Albany company specializing in dental products thinks it just may have the perfect Halloween candy.

Xyli-Tots Lollies are citrus-flavored lollipops that actually kill the primary bacteria causing cavities, according to Bob Bowers Chief Operating Officer for the company.

"It's a perfect, healthy handout for Halloween," said Bowers.

Research at UCLA on Chinese herbs determined an extract of licorice root targets and reduces the main bacteria responsible for cavities. The research led to creation of a sugar-free lollipop that when dissolved in saliva, causes the concentration of the herb to fight the bacteria.

"We worked hard to put it in a product kids will like," said Bowers of the lollipops, which have been distributed almost exclusively through dentist's offices for about a year.

Parents and children alike began requesting more of the lollipops and the company responded. CariFree is now offering the candy online.

"We have sold about 50,000 at dental offices all over the country in the last month," Bowers says. "It made sense to offer it online."

The product is manufactured at a candy company and distributed through CariFree. One bag, priced at $12.50, contains 24 of the Xyli-Tots.

"We aren't equipped to make candy here," said Bowers.

Production at the Albany site on Water Avenue, does include all packaging.

"It's a healthy choice. It is just the opposite of most candy," said Bowers.

It is recommended that the lollipops not be bitten into or chewed. According to Bowers the maximum effect is gained if the suckers are slowly dissolved in the mouth.

Currently the sugar-free candy comes only in a citrus orange flavor but that could change.

"We're looking at adding flavors but it's a much longer process than you might think," said Bowers, "Kids seem to like this flavor just fine. We haven't had any complaints."

Other candy types are being explored as well, including gums and gummy-bear type candies.

Carifree originally was involved in products designed almost exclusively for adults but research dictated a shift to add children's products.

"We found out that most diseases related to decay are in kids, particularly kids six and under." said Bowers. "Dental caries is the number one disease for children. Over 60 percent of children have dental decay by the age of 19."

Besides the lollipops, CariFree also has an oral rinse and wipes for children. Bowers pointed out that all products have been extensively tested and can be used safely.

On Oct. 19, CariFree will be handing out 5,000 of the lollipops at Ray's Food Place in North Albany from 3 to 6 p.m. Local dentist Dr. Carson Kutsch will be on hand to answer dental-related questions.

He says anyone can visit the website at www.carifree.com and order the product and each lollipop comes with instructions for dental hygiene and reminders about visiting the dentist. The site also includes a list of local dentists.