A New Front in War on Cavities By Shirley S. Wang Presented By Betsy, Elisa, and Kim

Cavities Recently, cavities have made a comeback in children. 28% of children aged 2-5 had cavities in the years 1999-2004 – A 4% increase since 90s. Why?

Bacteria in the Mouth 100s of species of bacteria live in your mouth! When they settle on teeth and form plaque, acid production causes erosion of the tooth – CAVITY!

Bacteria in the Mouth We can get rid of bacteria by brushing and flossing – but some bacteria hide! Just a few hours after brushing, bacteria start to multiply again… Bacteria work together by sharing nutrients and emitting signaling molecules!

Tiny Armies: How Bacteria Work Together to Cause Tooth Decay

Research in Cavity Causers Streptococcus mutans is a bacteria that is consistently implicated in causing cavities. Dr. Dennis Cvitkovitch and his team have discovered a part of the bacteria’s genome that affects its ability to produce plaque. Genetic manipulation could lead to advances in decay-fighting products http://www.osseotech.com

Research in Cavity Causers Research is aimed at keeping bacteria from working together and communicating – to stop plaque formation. Researchers have found a sequence in S. mutans DNA that is responsible for the communication ability. http://www.ronaldschulte.nl/Preparaten%20Tandplaque%2002.htm

Research in Cavity Causers Research in the plaque-forming ability of bacteria continues, with a focus on testing the influence of a specific peptide, CSP. As the CSP level increases, S. mutans cells begin to die off. Researchers developed a CSP analog, which was used in laboratory testing.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene! Dudley The Dinosaur Teaches us about Good Dental Hygiene!