Cavity Fighting Bacteria
We've all been taught that the way to prevent cavities is to brush,
floss, and visit the dentist regularly. Researchers at the University of
Florida have taken a different approach to fighting tooth decay. They
have altered Streptococcus mutants bacteria, which are known to cause tooth decay, so that they are no longer harmful to teeth.
The leading researcher in the study, dentist J. D. Hillman, accomplished the task of turning cavity causing bacteria into cavity fighting bacteria by stripping the bacterium of its ability to produce lactic acid. It is this byproduct of the breakdown of sugar by Streptococcus mutants that causes tooth decay. If the bacteria are not able to produce lactic acid tooth decay is stopped.
As many as 500 different species of bacteria inhabit your mouth and can colonize on your teeth and gums. When you eat a meal bacteria help to digest the food and sugar left on your teeth and gums. In the process lactic acid is produced which breaks down tooth enamel and leads to cavities. Streptococcus mutans has been found to be the most carcinogenic (promotes tooth decay) of these bacteria.
The genetically altered strain of Streptococcus mutant appeared to thrive on sugar. It was tested on rats with positive results. Researchers introduced a solution containing the bacterial strain into the oral cavity of rats. The rats were fed a high sugar diet and showed no evidence of tooth decay. Researchers found that the strain was able to stay on the surface of the teeth indefinitely and prevented the natural strain from colonizing on the teeth. The altered strain is genetically stable and no ill effects have been noted.
Hillman is hopeful that human trials will begin soon. These trials will attempt to determine the number of applications needed to prevent tooth decay permanently. Researchers warn that this does not mean that you can get rid of your tooth brush. Brushing and other forms of dental hygiene would still be recommended to prevent plaque build-up.
Have you ever been reluctant about going to the dentist? Wondered if the dental equipment had been properly cleaned? Researchers at the LSU Agricultural Center have developed a combination of chemicals that destroy hidden bacteria in hard to reach places in dental equipment.
Bacteria are prokaryotic, single-celled, organisms that are the earliest and most primitive forms of life on earth. They are able to live and thrive in various types of environments including extreme habitats such as hydrothermal vents, hot springs, swamps, wetlands, and the guts of animals. They flourish in moist conditions, especially conditions of static water. For this reason bacteria are often found inside dental equipment. The newly developed chemical solution works by destroying bacterial bio film. Bio film is a thin, slimy film of bacteria that helps bacterial colonies adhere to surfaces and to each other as well. Bio film formation aids bacterial reproduction and growth, and also acts as a protective barrier. Once this barrier is destroyed the bacteria can then be killed with a simple disinfectant.
The new chemical solution can be placed into the water system that is used to cleanse dental equipment. The treatment is very effective and works in minutes. Current methods for cleaning the insides of dental equipment are not effective. The insides of the tubes and pipes are so narrow that they can not be scrubbed and properly cleaned or disinfected. Additional sterilization techniques such as autoclave are impractical because the tubes are plastic and would melt.
Researchers say that their chemical solution can be used in a variety of ways. The solution can be sprayed on any surface to control bacteria. The researchers are currently seeking ways to utilize this solution in poultry processing.
The leading researcher in the study, dentist J. D. Hillman, accomplished the task of turning cavity causing bacteria into cavity fighting bacteria by stripping the bacterium of its ability to produce lactic acid. It is this byproduct of the breakdown of sugar by Streptococcus mutants that causes tooth decay. If the bacteria are not able to produce lactic acid tooth decay is stopped.
As many as 500 different species of bacteria inhabit your mouth and can colonize on your teeth and gums. When you eat a meal bacteria help to digest the food and sugar left on your teeth and gums. In the process lactic acid is produced which breaks down tooth enamel and leads to cavities. Streptococcus mutans has been found to be the most carcinogenic (promotes tooth decay) of these bacteria.
The genetically altered strain of Streptococcus mutant appeared to thrive on sugar. It was tested on rats with positive results. Researchers introduced a solution containing the bacterial strain into the oral cavity of rats. The rats were fed a high sugar diet and showed no evidence of tooth decay. Researchers found that the strain was able to stay on the surface of the teeth indefinitely and prevented the natural strain from colonizing on the teeth. The altered strain is genetically stable and no ill effects have been noted.
Hillman is hopeful that human trials will begin soon. These trials will attempt to determine the number of applications needed to prevent tooth decay permanently. Researchers warn that this does not mean that you can get rid of your tooth brush. Brushing and other forms of dental hygiene would still be recommended to prevent plaque build-up.
Hidden Bacteria
Have you ever been reluctant about going to the dentist? Wondered if the dental equipment had been properly cleaned? Researchers at the LSU Agricultural Center have developed a combination of chemicals that destroy hidden bacteria in hard to reach places in dental equipment.
Bacteria are prokaryotic, single-celled, organisms that are the earliest and most primitive forms of life on earth. They are able to live and thrive in various types of environments including extreme habitats such as hydrothermal vents, hot springs, swamps, wetlands, and the guts of animals. They flourish in moist conditions, especially conditions of static water. For this reason bacteria are often found inside dental equipment. The newly developed chemical solution works by destroying bacterial bio film. Bio film is a thin, slimy film of bacteria that helps bacterial colonies adhere to surfaces and to each other as well. Bio film formation aids bacterial reproduction and growth, and also acts as a protective barrier. Once this barrier is destroyed the bacteria can then be killed with a simple disinfectant.
The new chemical solution can be placed into the water system that is used to cleanse dental equipment. The treatment is very effective and works in minutes. Current methods for cleaning the insides of dental equipment are not effective. The insides of the tubes and pipes are so narrow that they can not be scrubbed and properly cleaned or disinfected. Additional sterilization techniques such as autoclave are impractical because the tubes are plastic and would melt.
Researchers say that their chemical solution can be used in a variety of ways. The solution can be sprayed on any surface to control bacteria. The researchers are currently seeking ways to utilize this solution in poultry processing.
