Have you ever thought that it is possible to fight tooth decay simply by taking pills? A group of researchers from the University of Florida has developed special probiotic tablets that will help prevent the development of dental caries in the mouth.
It is known that healthy people have a neutral oral environment. If the environment changes to the acidic side, then this contributes to the development of caries, a complex, slowly current pathological process in the hard tissues of the tooth, leading to the destruction of the hard tissues of the tooth with the formation of a cavity in the dentin. Currently, caries is the most common human disease (over 93% of people).
By studying plaque plaque in humans, scientists have discovered a new strain of streptococcus. The previously unidentified streptococcus A12 prevents the reproduction of harmful microorganisms, which are characterized by anaerobic fermentation. They, by producing lactic acid and changing the pH, provoke the development of tooth decay and other diseases of the oral cavity.
The researchers found that not only does A12 help neutralize acidity by metabolizing arginine, but it also kills Streptococcus mutans (acid-forming streptococcus), which plays an important role in tooth decay.
According to experts, their discovery led to the creation of a probiotic supplement that, by maintaining the pH in the normal range, will prevent the formation of cavities. However, before the introduction of a probiotic into medical practice, it is still necessary to conduct clinical trials.
According to study leader Marcelle Nascimento, if, with subsequent human experiments, it is possible to confirm that an increase in the number of beneficial A12 bacteria leads to a decrease in the risk of oral diseases, then this can significantly simplify diagnosis, treatment and prevention methods.