Health
Researchers have developed a candy that reduces bacteria that cause tooth decay.
The candy, created by Christine Lang from German biotech firm Organobalance, contains dead bacteria that bind to microbes that most commonly cause tooth decay. This reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth.
After eating, bacteria attach to the surface of the teeth and release acid that dissolves tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.
Dental caries
Streptococcus mutans is the bacterium that most commonly causes tooth decay. Another type of butkeria, Lactobacillus paracasei, found in kefir, reduces the amount of Streptococcus mutans, preventing attachment to teeth.
Scientists developed a sugar-free candy that contained samples of thermoinactivated L paracasei bacteria and tested its effect on a group of 60 volunteers.
The Lactobacillus probiotic (in blue) captures Streptococcus bacteria (in green) to prevent them from attaching to teeth.
After the experiment, three-quarters of people who tried candy containing bacteria had much lower levels of Streptococcus mutans in their saliva than the day before the experiment.
Caries prevention
Caries occurs when foods that contain carbohydrates, such as bread, sweet water, milk, pastries, and candy, remain on the teeth. Bacteria living in the oral cavity feed on these foods, converting them into acids.
Read also: Children's caries — symptoms and methods to combat it
Bacteria, food debris, acid and saliva form plaque that dissolves the tooth surface, creating holes – caries.
To prevent tooth decay, you should follow several rules: Brush your
teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between teeth using dental floss or other products.
Eat balanced and nutrient-rich foods and limit snacking.
Carbohydrate-containing foods such as candy, cookies and chips that remain on the surface of your teeth should be avoided. Remember that it is not how many sweets you eat that matters to your teeth, but how often you expose your teeth to this effect. Therefore, it is better to eat sweets with the main meal.
Drink water after eating. This will help neutralize the effects of sweet and sour foods.
Do not brush your teeth immediately after eating, as the acid left after it weakens tooth enamel. Wait at least an hour after eating to restore balance in your mouth.
It is better to eat a piece of cheese after eating, as cheese promotes the production of saliva, which protects against tooth decay and periodontitis.
Visit your dentist regularly at least once every six months.