The Power of Saliva
A new study published in the Journal of Applied and Environmental Biology showed that saliva is an incredible natural weapon in the fight against cavities and tooth decay. The research was done at MIT and Harvard and found that some components of saliva fight the bacteria that cause cavities called Streptococcus mutans (commonly known as S. mutans). What the study showed about bacteria in your mouth S. mutans utilizes sugars we eat or drink and build up plaque that, over time, erodes your teeth. Here’s how. In short, an evil little film of bacteria forms on your teeth that then produces acids that dissolve enamel and eat holes in your teeth – these holes are cavities. The study found that salivary mucins act like a natural defense against S. mutans that may be more effective than fluoride. Previously, it was thought that mucins only served to keep saliva slippery, but it seems that they have much more important properties. Rather than directly attacking the cavity-causing bac