A cavity-fighting jab may end tooth decay forever
A cavity-fighting jab may end tooth decay forever
PTI | Sep 17, 2012, 05.33AM IST
In a finding that could soon render dentists out of business, scientists have discovered a new vaccine that can rid us of tooth decay for ever. Researchers at the Forsyth Institute in the US are developing a vaccine that targets the bacterium 'mutans streptococci', which causes tooth decay.
When the bacteria break down food, they produce lactic acid, which wears away tooth enamel, producing cavities. The new cavity-fighting vaccine teaches the immune system to make antibodies that kill enzymes which enable bacteria to stick to teeth, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
Unable to cling to tooth enamel, the bacteria are washed away by saliva, and the teeth are protected.
Rats given the vaccine in experiments developed almost no cavities. Trials on people have also found the vaccine to have a similar effect. Ultimately the vaccine would be given to children under the age of one while their teeth are developing, but before the plaque bacteria have become established, researchers said. "If given to children at a young age, we think it may prevent colonization of plaque bacteria altogether," said Dr Daniel Smith of the Forsyth Institute
Heard this before and nothing happened.
PTI | Sep 17, 2012, 05.33AM IST
In a finding that could soon render dentists out of business, scientists have discovered a new vaccine that can rid us of tooth decay for ever. Researchers at the Forsyth Institute in the US are developing a vaccine that targets the bacterium 'mutans streptococci', which causes tooth decay.
When the bacteria break down food, they produce lactic acid, which wears away tooth enamel, producing cavities. The new cavity-fighting vaccine teaches the immune system to make antibodies that kill enzymes which enable bacteria to stick to teeth, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
Unable to cling to tooth enamel, the bacteria are washed away by saliva, and the teeth are protected.
Rats given the vaccine in experiments developed almost no cavities. Trials on people have also found the vaccine to have a similar effect. Ultimately the vaccine would be given to children under the age of one while their teeth are developing, but before the plaque bacteria have become established, researchers said. "If given to children at a young age, we think it may prevent colonization of plaque bacteria altogether," said Dr Daniel Smith of the Forsyth Institute
Heard this before and nothing happened.
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9:35 AM
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