Our Concern for Your Health and Well-being

Is Wasabi Good For Teeth?
Scientist Says It Could Prevent Tooth Decay

HONOLULU, Posted 12:20 a.m. EST December 15, 2000 -- For most people, wasabi is the spicy green horseradish that you add to sushi and other Japanese foods. But for chemistry scientists in Hawaii this week, wasabi is the latest revelation in oral care. 

A Japanese scientist at the International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies revealed Thursday that wasabi could help prevent tooth decay. 
Dr. Hideki Matsuda said that studies in test tubes showed that chemical compounds found in wasabi, called isothiocyanates, can inhibit the growth of the enzyme that creates plaque. 
Matsuda said the compounds that are responsible for wasabi's pungent taste and smell are similar to those that produce the flavor in broccoli and cabbage. 
 
"I would like to see wasabi toothpaste," Matsuda said. "But as you know wasabi is very strong, very hot, so we have to do something about that otherwise it's not practical." 
Matsuda suggests eating wasabi once a day to get the full anti-cavity effects