In Lansing, Michigan, lollipops are a regular part ot story-time at one pre-school
But these sweet treats are special.
Even the kids know - "It helps your teeth, " says one boy.
"It tastes like bubble gum," according to a little girl.
Jackie Tallman says there's a big need, "By age 5 and 6 half of children will have tooth decay, so we need to figure out how we stop that before it starts."
Twice a day for 3 weeks, the kids get the lollipops, as part of a clinical study by Delta Dental to see if the lollipops could help *prevent tooth decay.
The sweet treats are sugarless, and contain a licorice extract.
Tallman, the study leader, says, "Licorice root has been found to target the specific bacteria that causes tooth decay."
The kids have their saliva tested twice a day, so researchers can determine just how many licks it takes to target tooth decay.
Teachers say the program is already getting an A-plus from parents.
A Michigan nursing home is also taking part in the trial, to see how well the lollipops work for adults.
