Newly Discovered Bacteria Might Prevent Cavities

Cavities have been an extremely unpleasant pain for many of us, no matter how often we brush our teeth. However, the discovery of new bacteria might actually put an end to the reign of cavities once and for all.

University of Florida researchers have searched through more than two thousand bacteria to find the special microorganism that might relieve us from cavities. Its unique ability is to keep pH levels which are acidity levels neutral since those are crucial for having healthy teeth. Whenever the acidity increases or drops it leads to the apparition of multiple conditions.

Each person is different and thus has different risks of developing cavities, but most of us have at least experienced one of these pains. Depending on their severity and size, cavities can become a painful and dreadful process for those who experience them. Their treatment is not pleasant either.

It appears that the bacteria named A12 can break down arginine. Arginine is a substance from the mouth that transforms into ammonia, which is the one that maintains the level of acidity neutral. By doing so, it prevents the apparition of harmful bacteria which ends up damaging the teeth.

Bacteria A12 tackle arginine and break the compounds that form ammonia and thus keep a balanced level of pH. Dr. Marcelle Nascimento, study author and University of Florida restorative dental sciences professor, has stated that the team has investigated whether some people have higher amounts of A12 than others.

Extensive research has proven that the individuals who present more A12 bacteria have a much lower risk of developing cavities. This has determined scientists to attempt to create a probiotic pill containing A12 that would prevent the apparition of cavities once and for all.

While such a supplement would not completely dissipate the probability of cavities, it will definitely lower the chances of developing those. Furthermore, the different diets will also differently influence each person’s teeth. More details are expected to emerge after more research will be conducted.

As co-author Dr. Robert Burne has pointed out, the main idea of the study is to prevent the apparition of cavities by simply providing patients with the bacteria they lack. The probiotic might be needed to be taken once a year, a month or a day, but we shall have to wait for the details.

Image Source: Women’s Health

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Christina Langfold

Remember that weird girl in school who never quite managed to fit in? Who was always silent and strange? That was me during my entire teenage life. A few years after finishing college (with a degree in arts) I decided that the best way to become more sociable, while also feeling safe, is to test my people skills online.