{"id":333,"date":"2023-07-27T10:29:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T10:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kramerdmd.com\/blog\/?p=333"},"modified":"2024-09-24T04:05:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T04:05:57","slug":"new-bacteria-and-tooth-decay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kramerdmd.com\/blog\/new-bacteria-and-tooth-decay\/","title":{"rendered":"A New Kind of Bacteria is Linked to Tooth Decay"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You probably know bacteria affect your oral health<\/a>. In particular, you grasp that several kinds can harm teeth. However, scientists recently made a discovery that updates these facts. A study from this past year found a link between new bacteria and tooth decay. As such, you should work harder to clean your teeth. Your Selbyville dentist can explain if you want more details. So, here\u2019s a primer on how bacteria decay teeth, the new discovery, and ways to prevent tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Some Context: Bacteria Cause Tooth Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, your mouth houses over 700 strains of bacteria. These microbes live on your teeth, tongue, and even the pockets of your gums. Depending on the type, they can have harmful or helpful effects on your oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until recently, the bacteria Streptococcus mutans<\/em> was thought to be the main cause of tooth decay. It clings to teeth and produces acids that erode enamel. In doing so, the microbe easily triggers cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New Discovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To be clear, Streptococcus mutans<\/em> still causes tooth decay. However, scientists now see another kind of bacteria erodes enamel too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

University of Pennsylvania and University of North Carolina researchers made the discovery. In particular, these scholars found that a bacteria called Selenomonas sputigena<\/em> also decays teeth. It works alongside Streptococcus mutans, <\/em>amplifying the latter\u2019s ability to create cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips on Preventing Tooth Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More kinds of bacteria are now known to decay teeth, so it\u2019d be good to \u201cbrush up\u201d on teeth cleaning habits. That being said, consider the following tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n