Oral bacteria are commonly known as the scourge of your oral health. Bacteria form sticky plaque on your teeth and excrete acids that attack your dental enamel and gum soft tissue, leading to cavities and gum disease.
But not all bacteria are bad for your mouth. In fact, some bacteria may hold the key to an all-natural treatment that may eliminate the need for brushing and flossing entirely.
The key to this potential treatment is a type of bacteria, Streptococcus salivarius, which, unlike the more damaging Streptococcus mutans, doesn’t form a biofilm on your teeth. Instead, it secretes an enzyme compound, known as FruA, that inhibits S. mutans biofilm formation, which could lead to a reduction in the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
And, as if it wasn’t weird enough that bacteria may prevent cavities, the activity of this enzyme is enhanced by the presence of sucrose. That’s right, we’re talking about a potential cavity prevention treatment that involves bacteria and sugar–the very two things responsible for most cavities.
This is, of course, not the only time we utilize natural rivalries for our benefit–most antibiotics derive from the chemical weapons fungi developed to fight bacteria–but it’s a good reminder that many of the answers to common health problems may be out there already. We just have to know where to look.