3 ms·
Why not just continue the work that's already been done in developing GM strains of S. mutans that don't produce biofilms?
by rhinoceraptor 4y ago
Why not just continue the work that's already been done in developing GM strains of S. mutans that don't produce biofilms?
- bmau5 4y agoWe think this work is fascinating, but S. mutans isn’t the only species in the oral cavity capable of developing biofilms (nor is it the only cavity-causing species). I think this could be a great first step, but we’re currently more focused on how to cultivate our healthy species than bioengineer alternatives (a question of competencies and priorities)
- canadiantim 4y agoWhat is your company? And have you identified anything you could recommend to help “cultivate our healthy species”?
- bmau5 4y agoMy company is Bristle (bristlehealth.com), and we've found several things that look to cultivate healthy species so far. Hygiene plays a huge role (of course), but outside of that diet plays a large role. Cheese/dairy has been found to reduce cavity incidence, high fiber vegetables stimulate saliva production and neutralize acid, and a nitrate rich diet has been shown to increase levels of beneficial bacteria (called nitrate reducing species) that help us produce nitric oxide [2]. There's some exciting research on probiotics [3] as potential interventions as well, particularly if used with a proper hygiene regimen. [1]https://www.bristlehealth.com/post/how-our-diets-can-affect-our-oral-health https://www.bristlehealth.com/post/how-our-diets-can-affect-... [2]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33742692/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33742692/ [3]https://www.bristlehealth.com/post/a-guide-to-oral-probiotics-and-dental-probiotics https://www.bristlehealth.com/post/a-guide-to-oral-probiotic...