A natural molecule has been discovered that can almost completely destroy the biofilm of bacteria, preventing plaque, cavities, and other dental problems. This biomolecule could potentially be added to toothpaste and mouthwash in the future. According to a study by the University College London (UCL), dental check-ups are often neglected, leading to around 3.5 billion people suffering from health problems such as cavities, gum disease, periodontitis, and oral cancer. Researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Sichuan University, have discovered a natural molecule that can eliminate cavities and plaque.
The human mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, particularly S. mutans, which is one of the main causes of cavities. This bacterium thrives in moist and sugary environments, forming a biofilm that covers the teeth and acts as a shield for the bacteria. This biofilm then leads to the formation of cavities and gum problems. The natural molecule 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) can almost completely eliminate the biofilm of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. This inhibits the growth of bacteria and prevents dental problems such as plaque and cavities.
According to Prof. Ariel Kushmaro from the Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, the researchers also discovered that the molecule, also known as Bisindol, has cancer-fighting properties and is not toxic to humans. This biomolecule could be added to dental care products to improve their effectiveness. “The molecule, which has low toxicity, could be integrated into toothpaste and mouthwash to significantly improve oral hygiene,” says Prof. Kushmaro. This discovery could potentially revolutionize dental care and improve the oral health of millions of people worldwide.
