Luís Soares Luís participated at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene, which took place from 11 to 13 July in Seoul, South Korea, where he presented the oral communication entitled “Sweet revolution: Xylitol and pear on anticariogenic gummy candies for sustainable oral health”, co-authored with researchers Henrique Luís, Ana Cristina Rodrigues and Marisa Gaspar.

This work was developed in the scope of the FRUIGU project, and had the specific goal of promoting oral health from gums that have in their composition pear Rocha residues and Xylitol, a sweetener with anti-cariogenic activity already demonstrated. The sensory analysis performed allowed to observe a greater acceptability of this product, when compared without the use of Xylitol.

This innovative research permit “to explore the potential of natural ingredients in promoting oral health, in a pleasant and sustainable way”, said the researcher.

The FRUIGU project has started in 2023 and counts on the participation of several researchers from ciTechCare, but also from LIDA – Design and Arts Laboratory, which studies the size, the the ideal format and visual appeal of the gums and Rocha Center – Post Harvest and Technology Center, from where the locally produced fruit residues come, in particular Alcobaça apple and Rocha do Oeste pear.

Under the theme “Dental Hygienists, the Center of Oral Health,” the symposium emphasized the pivotal role dental hygienists play in optimizing oral health outcomes, in promoting comprehensive patient care and oral health. Throughout ISDH 2024, various dimensions of dental hygienists’ responsibilities were explored, with a focused exploration of Collaboration, Optimization, Reimagination, and Equality.