Tooth decay could soon be a thing of the past

Tooth decay could soon become a thing of the past following the discovery of the structure of an enzyme that allows plaque-forming bacteria to stick to teeth.

A team of scientists from the University of Groningen in Holland has deciphered the structure of an enzyme known as glucansucrase.

Oral bacteria use the enzyme to convert sugars present in foods to long, sticky chains of sugars, which can act as a glue, allowing bacteria to stick to tooth enamel. Once attached, the bacteria ferment sugars, releasing acids that dissolve the calcium in teeth, causing tooth decay.

The discovery could pave the way for further research into substances that prevent the enzyme sticking to tooth enamel. So far this has proved to be difficult, as the substances tested not only blocked the action of glucansucrose, but also the actions of another enzyme present in saliva, needed to break down starch.

Study leader Professor Lubbert Dijkhuizen said that in the future a glucansucrase inhibitor could be added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and even sweets.

However, Professor Dijkhuizen doesn’t expect toothbrushes will have had their day: "It will always be necessary to clean your teeth."

The findings are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This article was published on Mon 6 December 2010