Newfound bacteria could lead to anti-cavity pill

By Barry Eitel

SAN FRANCISCO

Dental scientists announced a new discovery Thursday that could lead to a new treatment for preventing tooth decay and cavities by simply taking a pill.

The breakthrough involves a newly identified strain of bacteria that appears to decrease the damaging effect of other bacteria that live in the mouth.

The bacteria, a type of Streptococcus called A12, reduces the amount of tooth-dissolving acid created by other microbes.

Most importantly, it helps break down the amino acid arginine, which the research team strongly linked to the formation of cavities.

Researchers believe A12 could be used in an oral supplement that would prevent cavities. Working from the University of Florida, the scientists published the discovery in the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

Scientists liken the proposed treatment to popular “probiotic” supplements that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

“Like a probiotic approach to the gut to promote health, what if a probiotic formulation could be developed from natural beneficial bacteria from humans who had a very high capacity to break down arginine?” study author Robert Burne said in a statement. “You would implant this probiotic in a healthy child or adult who might be at risk for developing cavities. However many times you have to do that -- once in a lifetime or once a week, the idea is that you could prevent a decline in oral health by populating the patient with natural beneficial organisms.”

An estimated 60 to 90 percent of schoolchildren and nearly 100 percent of adults have cavities worldwide, according to statistics from the World Health Organization, released in 2012.

Approximately 30 percent of the elderly aged 65-74, have no natural teeth.

Not only can tooth decay cause trouble with chewing and speaking, those suffering from severe oral diseases or tooth loss often face strong social stigmas.