Know Your Enemy: How a Newly Discovered Bacteria Helps Cause Cavities

Even though you probably think you already have enough nasty germs trying to ruin your teeth, dentists have discovered a strain of bacteria that may help your oral microbes cause cavities. While the oral health community has long believed that the germ Streptococcus mutans was the primary cause of dental caries, researchers have found that Selenomonas sputigena also plays a significant role in their development. Here’s a brief guide to how these microbes team up to wreck your teeth and what you can do about it.

How Do Cavities Form?

Your mouth is home to vast populations of oral bacteria, and many of them can be quite beneficial for your oral health. However, some oral microbes can cause destructive infections if you don’t clean your mouth properly and consistently.

When you consume sugary or starchy foods or beverages, they leave nutrient-rich residues in your mouth, and the harmful oral bacteria called S. mutans love to eat this stuff and excrete enamel-eroding acid as a metabolic byproduct. If this acid breaches the enamel layer of a tooth, germs will infect the wound, causing a cavity.

How Does S. Sputigena Help Cavities Form?

Oddly enough, the newly discovered strain S. sputigena does not seem to directly attack the teeth. Instead, it becomes trapped in the biofilm that S. mutans produces for shelter, a substance also called plaque. Once in the plaque, S. sputigena builds a honeycomb-like structure that allows the biofilm to provide better protection for S. mutans, thereby making it easier for these germs to feed and produce enamel-destroying acid.

How Can I Prevent Cavities?

The best ways to prevent cavities include:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
• Using antibacterial mouthwash regularly to eliminate germ accumulations.
• Seeing your dentist twice a year for routine exams and cleanings.
• Limiting  your consumption of sugary, starchy, and acidic foods and beverages.

Once a cavity develops, it will not heal on its own and requires prompt attention from a qualified dentist. Using restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals, your oral health professional will be able to eliminate the infection and repair the structure of your tooth.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Koenitzer earned his dental degree at the University of California at San Francisco and continues to develop his skills through continuing education coursework. He takes great satisfaction in helping his patients maintain healthy and beautiful smiles that they can be proud of. His office in Petaluma provides preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about how you can prevent or treat tooth decay, contact his office online or dial (707) 766-6666.