Dentists have found a chemical that could make cavities a thing of the past. Dentists’ visits may become more and more rare as well. The molecule, dubbed Keep 32, after the 32 human teeth was designed by Chilean dentists and kills all the bacteria that cause teeth to form cavities in only 60 seconds.
The new chemical could be placed in all current products made for dental care, turning normal toothpaste, chewing gum and mouthwash into the world’s first super cleansers. They could rid the mouth of the underlying cause for all tooth decay.
Streptococcus mutans are targeted by the chemical. They are the bacteria that turn the sugar in an individual’s mouth into the lactic acid that then erodes the enamel on teeth. By killing the bacteria, the chemical prevents teeth from being damaged before anything can happen. When using the chemical the teeth can remain cavity proof for a number of hours.
The new chemical has been undergoing tests for almost seven years and will start human trials shortly. Within the next year and a half the product could be on the market says Jose Cordoba one of the researchers from Yale University and the University of Chile’s Erich Astdillo.
Researchers also said that certain foods could contain the chemical so bacteria could not damage your teeth even while you are eating. The hope is to get the chemical licensed with a large company like Proctor and Gamble. Five parties are currently negotiating with the researchers over the possibility of buying their patent.
