Most people know that sugar and poor oral hygiene can cause cavities, but recent discoveries show there’s much more to the story. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a new bacterium, Selenomonas sputigena (S. sputigena), that teams up with the notorious Streptococcus mutans to cause tooth decay. Continue reading to learn about this new discovery and how you can protect your teeth!
What Did the Study Discover, Exactly?
Dentists have known for a while that S. mutans feeds on sugar and produces acids. This is the main mechanism that weakens your tooth enamel. However, researchers were surprised to find that S. sputigena, a bacterium normally associated with gum disease, actually enhances the destructive abilities of S. mutans!
When these two bacteria interact, the cavity-causing power of S. mutans significantly increases, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. This bacterial teamwork means that even moderate sugar intake could lead to cavities faster than previously thought.
Why Is This Discovery Important?
Understanding how these bacteria work together can help dentists provide better care. Now that dentists know S. sputigena plays a role in tooth decay, future treatments could be concocted to target this interaction specifically.
By concentrating efforts on this link in your mouth, it could potentially improve prevention efforts and reduce your risk for cavities!
How You Can Protect Your Smile Now
While researchers continue to explore the impact of S. sputigena, you can protect your teeth right now by taking some simple precautions like:
- Brushing Twice Daily: Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps eliminate harmful bacteria from every surface of your mouth, including your tongue.
- Flossing Every Day: Flossing removes bacteria-filled plaque from between teeth—areas where brushing often misses.
- Limiting Sugar Intake: Reducing sugary foods and drinks deprives these bacteria of the fuel they need to reproduce and create acid.
- Attending Regular Dental Visits: Routine checkups help detect cavities early and keep your smile healthy.
If you’re concerned about tooth decay or want more personalized advice, call your dentist! They can guide you through a thorough dental exam to monitor your smile for cavities and other issues that could lead to compromised enamel.
About the Author
If you’ve got cavities, Dr. Steven Kendrick has solutions. He’s a passionate dental expert with a doctorate from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. Together with his team, he helps patients clear out cavities using the latest dental technology and techniques, ensuring fast and comfortable care. Call (405) 732-0431 to schedule a checkup and cleaning at Midwest City Dental Center or visit our website to see a full menu of services.