Chemical could make teeth cavity proof

Molecule wipes out the bacteria that cause cavities.

July 11, 2012 at 4:46PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A new chemical could make human teeth "cavity proof" -- and do away with the need for visits to the dentist.

The molecule has been called "Keep 32" -- after the 32 teeth in a human mouth. Designed by dentists in Chile, it wipes out the bacteria that cause cavities in just 60 seconds in tests.

The chemical could be added to any dental care product, turning toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum into "super cleansers" that could get rid of the underlying cause of tooth decay.

The chemical targets "streptococcus mutans," the bacteria that turns the sugar in your mouth into lactic acid, which erodes tooth enamel.

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about the writer

Colleen Stoxen

Deputy Managing Editor for News Operations

Colleen Stoxen oversees hiring, intern programs, newsroom finances, news production and union relations. She has been with the Minnesota Star Tribune since 1987, after working as a copy editor and reporter at newspapers in California, Indiana and North Dakota.

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