Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Adams School of Dentistry, and Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina have made a significant breakthrough in understanding tooth decay.
They discovered that a bacterial species called Selenomonas sputigena plays a major role in causing tooth decay.
For a long time, scientists believed that the primary cause of tooth decay was a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans.
This bacteria forms plaque, a sticky layer on our teeth that can lead to damage. However, the new research shows that S. sputigena, a bacteria previously linked only to gum disease, also contributes to tooth decay.
Initially, scientists thought S. sputigena was only related to gum disease. This study reveals that it works alongside S. mutans, making the bacteria more destructive to our teeth. This surprising finding could lead to new ways to prevent tooth decay and enhance our understanding of bacterial interactions.
This groundbreaking study was made possible by the collaboration between different universities and experts, showcasing the importance of teamwork in achieving significant scientific discoveries.
Tooth decay is a widespread issue, affecting both children and adults globally. It occurs when bacteria like S. mutans create a protective layer, or plaque, on our teeth. This plaque turns sugars from our diet into acids that erode our tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
While studying plaque, scientists have identified many other types of bacteria. Among these is the Selenomonas group, which does not require oxygen to survive and is typically found under the gum in cases of gum disease.
This study is the first to show that a specific Selenomonas species, S. sputigena, can also cause cavities. S.sputigena was discovered in the plaque of children with tooth decay. While it doesn’t cause tooth decay on its own, it works together with S. mutans to accelerate the process. S. mutans uses sugar to build sticky structures in the plaque, and S. sputigena gets trapped in these structures.
Once trapped, it grows rapidly, creating protective environments that help S. mutans survive and produce more acid, leading to more severe tooth decay.
These findings provide a deeper understanding of how tooth decay develops. This new insight could lead to improved ways to prevent cavities, such as disrupting the protective structures made by S. sputigena or enhancing tooth-brushing techniques.
The research team plans to investigate how S. sputigena, which typically lives in non-oxygen environments, ends up on the tooth surface, which is an oxygen-rich environment. This could provide important insights into how bacteria interact with each other in different environments.
For those interested in gum health, studies suggest there are four health conditions linked to gum disease, and a new gel could treat gum disease by fighting inflammation.
Regarding heart health, research indicates the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease and how Vitamin K2 could help reduce the risk of heart disease.
The study was published in Nature Communications.
If you care about gum health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more information about gum health, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
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