3 ms·

We already did. S. mutans has been genetically modified to excrete water instead of the acid that normally wears away enamel. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Dent

• nitrogen 14y ago
  Recently they tweaked the bacterium again so it would only survive if fed a particular nutritional supplement. That ensures the bacterium won't spread from one person to another while kissing or sharing utensils. AKA vendor lock-in.
  • Sanddancer 14y ago
    It's still rather experimental. At this stage, I'd rather have the bacterium require supplements than risk more widespread problems. Once proven safe, then hell yeah, open the floodgates.