Picture a world where teeth never get cavities. It would mean the end of fillings and root canals. No one would have to suffer the ignominy of dentures.
This is the future that researchers are hoping to help create. The only catch: It involves voluntarily putting bacteria into our mouths.
Streptococcus mutans is the bacterium that is mainly responsible for cavities. It feeds on sugar and then produces the lactic acid that destroys teeth. The researchers developed a new strain of bacteria that destroy and replace S. mutans in the mouth. This new strain does not produce lactic acid, so it won’t cause tooth decay. It is transferred to patients with a simple cotton swab.
Tests are underway to rule out unforeseen consequences.
(Source: popsci.com; oragenics.com)
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