One dental researcher thinks he's found a way to permanently stave off the cavity-causing bacteria that lead to expensive and costly trips to the dentist.
Wenyuan Shi of the University of California, Los Angeles, has led efforts to develop a mouthwash with technology that kills Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for cavities.
First, Shi and colleagues had to understand how these bacteria interact in biofilms, or the sticky colonies of microorganisms that build up as plaque on the teeth. Bacteria often latch on to the surfaces of teeth, breaking down food debris and nutrients into acids that can eat away at enamel and form caries (another word for cavities). These harmful plaque build-ups can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.
The technology, called "Specifically-Targeted Antimicrobial Peptides" (STAMPs), targets cavity-causing bacteria without interfering with other microbes in the mouth. This differs from most antibiotics that kill unwanted bacteria and do away with the good kind as well.
But after being exposed to Shi's technology, the good bacteria develop a type of protection that prevents bad bacteria from forming near them in the future.
In a small clinical trial of 12 participants, using the mouthwash once over a four-day period helped lower levels of S. mutans bacteria, lactic acid and demineralization.
It's not clear how much the mouthwash would cost if approved for use, and more research is needed to test the long-term effects of the rinse. One UCLA press release says Shi has received an investigation grant through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which would support more trials beginning in 2012.
But can the antimicrobial really rid us of the costly and painful experience of tooth decay in our lifetimes?
We'll have to wait until the mouthwash undergoes more trials before ditching our toothbrushes and floss. Since the rinse doesn't affect other bacteria, people who rely on the mouthwash may still feel the need to brush to remove excess plaque. Another general concern may be exerting selective pressures on the bad bacteria, which may have the potential to create bacteria resistant to treatments or antibiotics. It's unclear if cell signaling creates the same pressures as other antibiotics.
The American Dental Association has warned companies for claiming that products prevent gum disease when there's not much evidence to do so.
Time will tell if the technology will hit the medicine cabinet as cavities' No. 1 enemy. It's also worth mentioning that Shi gained financial support from Colgate-Palmolive and a company he helped establish in 2005.
If this become a real thing, you don't have to brush or floss your teeth? I mean I would still brush my teeth. I wonder is she's going to make different flavors? Is this going to happen? It would be pretty cool. Does your breath still going to stink?
ReplyDeleteI think if this became popular, I would use it maybe. But, I would still want to brush my teeth and floss. Without adding flavor, what does the substance taste like? What would they use to make it taste better?
ReplyDeletei wonder what it taste like... like does it have the same smell & taste as the mouth wash we use now? any how i don't think people would stop using tooth brushes & floss (not like everyone uses it) but the couple that do i doubt would let go of there brush that easily . i know i wouldn't. anyways that would be pretty cool, technology is making humans even lazier then now.
ReplyDeletei wonder what it taste like... like does it have the same smell & taste as the mouth wash we use now? any how i don't think people would stop using tooth brushes & floss (not like everyone uses it) but the couple that do i doubt would let go of there brush that easily . i know i wouldn't. anyways that would be pretty cool, technology is making humans even lazier then now.
ReplyDeleteI highly fear this. Yes, it may be amazing to have saving time to brush and floss your teeth. But, this may cause a majority mass number to stop brushing their teeth.I know that not everyone brushes their teeth like they claim anyway, but now people would have a good reason to stop brushing their teeth instead of the reason; lack of responsibility. Do you know how many yellow, or black rotten teeth we may end up with in this world? This created substance might not exactly be thee best resource for cleansing. I mean in my opinion, nothing kills those germs and cavities like brushing and flossing your teeth.
ReplyDeleteI think this is pretty cool. The fact that someone was able to think of this. I would like to know the long term effects. With this though a lot of people would probably completely abandon their toothbrushes. Abandoning the toothbrush wouldn't be the smartest idea in my opinion, but overall this is a really cool idea.
ReplyDeleteTake my money now! It seems awesome. As of now I don't feel that just flossing and brushing keeps my mouth protected 24/7. Something that is going to increase the protection on my teeth on top of brushing and flossing, I'm in! But how would it taste? What if you accidentally drank it? Most mouth washes say not to swallow, it surely would be the same? I have animals in the house, what would the effect be on them if they were to get in to it? I would really like to have my pets live and not die.
ReplyDeleteI would use this mouth wash. But I would not stop brushing my teeth or going to the dentist. Just because they say it works doesnt mean it will. There will still probably be a chance of getting cavities.
ReplyDeleteI would probably use this but along with brushing and flossing. I wouldn't risk messing up my teeth by relying on a mouthwash. Getting dentistry work isn't very fun but I think it's worth reassurance that you have healthy gums and teeth. I don't know how I feel about the mouthwash but I think it's a step toward better health care for your teeth. (:
ReplyDeleteI would love to use this creation but I would love to use it along with my daily routine in brushing and flossing my teeth regularly. I think it would give double benefits if the product was actually consumed with brushing your teeth. Because what if the mouthwash doesn't work for everyone? I think it would be a good product. But still BRUSH YOUR TEETH.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely try this if it means getting out of going to the dentist! I don't trust that I would not have to still brush and floss and stuff so I would for sure still do that. But I hate the dentist so if I didn't have to go AND could prevent cavities and stuff, it sounds good to me.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great new idea but nothing can replace brushing your teeth. When you brush your teeth it scrubs away the plaque and flossing removes it from between your teeth. Just rinsing some mouthwash in your mouth can't replace that process. Even though I think it is a good addition to your daily morning routine (hopefully it is daily for everyone) I still think everyone should still brush their teeth!
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else is saying, I personally think this would be a cool thing to replace your morning and nightly routine... if you are lazy. I would still brush my teeth. I feel like mouthwash is made for getting rid of your nasty morning breath, not protecting your teeth. The tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities come from the build up of plaque and bacteria in your teeth. When it solidifies itself, it can't just be washed away. That is like trying to move a boulder with a stream of water. I don't think the mouthwash is capable of doing the same things as your floss and tooth brush can do. I would not buy this mouthwash and use it in replace of my toothbrush and floss.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this would be safe for a young child to use? If the child can use the mouthwash, will they need to brush their teeth as much as we do now? How often would you need to use this mouthwash in order for it to be effective?
ReplyDeleteI am curious as to how far they have brought this is the last three years. I want to know if the grant helped them succeed in finding out what they needed to to have the all clear for commercial use. The only issue I have with it is that if and when is does become available people would not brush their teeth thinking this a good substitute and end up having bad breath.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely hate having cavities, even though I have only had one my whole life. You should still brush your teeth just in case its not as clean working as you expected. Though id rather just stick with toothpaste because I have braces. Its a great idea to save time but otherwise I wouldn't use it.
ReplyDeleteI would like to try it but I would definitley be skeptical at first. It almost sounds too good to be true. What about the food that gets stuck between your teeth? I think floss would still be needed then. No matter how many differnt things are in this wash, I'd like to still be safe and brush.
ReplyDeleteI would probably use the mouthwash. However i wouldn't frequently use it, and would still brush, floss, and user regular mouthwash. I think we as a society are to caught up with convenience instead of how well the product works. This could replace dental visits but you still need to go to the dentist incase something is actually wrong with your teeth. I think you should just use this product for dental health and not to replace dentists.
ReplyDeleteI would probably try it but would still do everything else i already do to keep my teeth clean anyway. I think this could replace dentists but it shouldn't replace them in case something else is wrong with your teeth. I wouldn't solely depend on this product rather than going to the dentist.
ReplyDeletethis is pretty cool! but I think it would get into peoples heads too much and the would stop using tooth brush. this on the other had could not be a good thing. I have never had a cavity. but I would not want to bet my teeth on mouthwash.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very interesting and cool idea. but, i think it could turn out to be a very bad thing in the long run. I think some people would stop using other things that your supposed to use regularly to take care of your teeth and they would just rely on mouthwash. I would not try it.
ReplyDeleteI am alot more confident with an actually dentist cleaning my teeth. This is cool and all but i trust man power much more. There could be some spots in your mouth that the mouth wash may not reach where as dentist will actually be able to clean.
ReplyDeleteI find this very cool. I would still want to brush my teeth. I would be too paranoid to just use it. Especially when there isn't much evidence to back this up. I don't think I would trust it, or even try it
ReplyDeleteI think this is amazing that i could never have to go to the dentist again. Like its not that i dont like dentists ita just that i dont want thier entire hand in my mouth. Also how they keep your mouth open for long amounts of time like my jaws are tired man so this product would do wonders for me. Overall i cant wait till this is released.
ReplyDeleteOK, the prospect of never using a toothbrush, having a dentist check for cavaties, or extensive dental care in general is incredibly appealing. What can I say? I'm lazy. Mouth wash on a regular basis is a preferred alternative to constant teeth brushing. I hope that they can just get a move on and get this on the market soon.
ReplyDelete