Once upon a time, scientists believed a single villain was responsible for the cavities that spoil our smiles: a bacteria named Streptococcus mutans.
This tiny troublemaker sticks to our teeth, forming a harmful layer called plaque that attacks the tooth’s surface. But a recent discovery has unveiled a twist in the tale of tooth decay.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, along with colleagues from the Adams School of Dentistry and Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina, have discovered another bacteria, Selenomonas sputigena, that also plays a significant role in causing cavities.
The Unexpected Culprit
Previously, scientists thought Selenomonas sputigena was only a problem for people suffering from gum disease. But the new study reveals that this bacteria teams up with Streptococcus mutans, making the process of tooth decay even worse.
This finding is exciting because it opens up new possibilities for preventing cavities and gives us a deeper understanding of how these tiny organisms can affect our health.
The study’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration among scientists from different fields.
Understanding Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a problem that affects millions of people, both young and old, all around the world. It begins when bacteria like Streptococcus mutans form a layer called plaque on our teeth.
This plaque transforms the sugars we eat into acids that eat away at the tooth enamel, creating cavities.
In their quest to understand plaque better, scientists have discovered many different types of bacteria living in our mouths.
One such group is the Selenomonas bacteria, which thrive in environments without oxygen, typically found beneath the gums in people with gum disease.
However, this recent study shows for the first time that a specific type of Selenomonas, namely S. sputigena, is also involved in the formation of cavities.
How Selenomonas sputigena Plays Its Part
Researchers found S. sputigena in the plaque of children with cavities. This bacteria doesn’t cause tooth decay by itself but works in partnership with Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans uses sugar to create sticky structures in the plaque, trapping S. sputigena.
Once trapped, S. sputigena grows rapidly, forming protective layers that help S. mutans to thrive and produce more acid, leading to more severe tooth decay.
New Avenues for Preventing Cavities
These discoveries offer a clearer picture of how cavities develop and suggest new strategies for preventing them.
For example, disrupting the protective structures made by S. sputigena or finding better ways to brush our teeth could be effective ways to combat tooth decay.
Looking Ahead
The researchers are now curious about how S. sputigena, typically found in places without oxygen, manages to survive on the tooth surface, which is exposed to air.
Understanding this could provide valuable insights into how different bacteria interact with each other in our mouths.
This research, published in Nature Communications, not only sheds light on the complexities of tooth decay but also emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene for our overall health.
So, next time you brush your teeth, remember there’s a whole world of science dedicated to keeping your smile bright and healthy.
If you care about tooth health, please read studies about new causes of tooth decay and gum diseases, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more information about dental health, please see recent studies about diabetes and gum disease, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
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