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Want long-lasting cavity
protection? A quick squirt of genetically engineered bacteria could
do the trick, and might even safeguard your teeth for life.
Streptococcus mutans,
a bacterium that inhabits the human mouth, causes cavities by converting
sugar into enamel-corroding lactic acid. A Florida dentist has developed
a genetically modified strain of the bug that doesn't make lactic
acid, but is able to shoulder out competing bacteria.
The new bacterium, dubbed
BCS3-L1, could theoretically prevent cavities by colonizing the
mouth and getting rid of its cavity-causing cousin. Although the
experimental treatment has only been tried in animals, clinical
trials for cavity prevention could start as early as the beginning
of next year.
The researcher has been
working on developing bacterial replacement therapy for cavity prevention
for 25 years.
In rats mouth colonization
with BCS3-L1 provided lifetime prevention. In the dentist's office
the bacteria would probably be applied after tooth cleaning. The
dentist would simply squirt a suspension of the modified bacteria,
onto the tooth surfaces for about 5 minutes.
Then more than likely
the dentist would pat you on the head and tell you to go home and
eat sugar. Sugar helps the genetically modified bug stick to tooth
surfaces.
Annual Meeting of
the American Academy for the Advancement of Science's New York February
16, 2002
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