Chemical to Prevent Tooth Decay

Press Association: Dental scientists have claimed to have discovered a way to prevent bacteria that causes tooth decay from forming in the mouth.
BASF, the world’s largest chemical maker, said its formula could be seen in toothpaste, mouthwash and even sweets as early as next year.
Using a micro-organism related to those used in yoghurt cultures, the German-based company said it has engineered a process that clusters harmful bacteria in the mouth before they can bind with sugar and form plaque.
The organism and plaque-causing bacteria are then swallowed as part of the mouth’s natural cleaning process. It is safe to swallow the bacteria, known by the scientific name Streptococcus mutans, because it is regularly found in the mouth and humans already digest it constantly, the company said.
The active organism in pro-t-action is effectively dead, meaning it does not need to be kept cool — like yoghurt — and can be used in a wide array of products like sugar-free sweets, gum, toothpaste, and possibly drinks such as smoothies. To be effective, the product needs to be in the mouth for about 10 to 15 seconds.
“This is not a replacement” for brushing, said Markus Pompejus, a BASF scientist who helped develop the product. “But it clearly helps to improve your daily oral hygiene.”
Chemical ‘to prevent tooth decay’ [Press Association]