Debarati Basu, Makaut (WB)
The study of the University of Kentucky College of medicines could guide to a new method for preventing bacterial that are responsible for tooth decay.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay can be defined as the damage of our teeth. Tooth decay has the possibility of causing cavities in our teeth or even loss of our teeth. It is mainly caused by bacteria that are present in plaque. These bacteria have the potential to convert the sugars present in our consumed foods into acids. Dental plaques thus play a salient role in tooth decay. Dental plaques are usually colourless and sticky that cover the teeth. Plaques are usually composed of food particles, bacteria, and saliva. Plaques should be prevented from accumulating on our teeth otherwise the acid will lead to tooth decay.
Different stages of tooth decay
Teeth should be cleaned regularly otherwise plaque will start to cover the teeth. The plaque will get harder with time and will become difficult to be removed, this is called tartar. Tartar formation gives bacteria further protection. There are five stages of tooth decay which are as follows:
- Initial demineralization- The teeth contain enamel. It is composed of minerals and forms the outer covering of the teeth. If teeth are not properly cleaned plaque will form and the acids present in plaque will cause loss of minerals from the enamel. This will result in the formation of a white spot in the teeth. This spot is the early sign of tooth decay.
- Enamel decay- Tooth decay allowed for longer periods the white spot will turn brownish due to breaking of the enamel. Cavities or dental caries which are small holes will be formed due to weekend enamel.
- Dentin decay- Under the enamel layer lays the dentin layer which is usually softer and is more sensitive to acid damage. Dentin contains some nerve endings as a result of which one may suffer from sensitivity issues. Tooth decay occurs at a much higher rate in the dentin.
- Pulp damage- Pulp forms the core layer of the teeth and is composed of nerves and blood vessels. The symptoms of pulp damage are usually sensitivity, swelling accompanied by pain.
- Abscess- Tooth decay to the pulp will cause bacterial infections. If the inflammation is increased, it can cause pus formation at the bottom of the tooth called an abscess. Symptoms of tooth abscess are severe pain in the tooth radiating to the jaws, swelling of gums, face or jaw, fever, and swelling of lymph nodes.
Significance of the study
The research work was carried by Natalia Korotkova. Korotkova is the assistant professor of the University of the Kentucky College of medicines in the Department of Microbiology; Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. Korotkova was able to identify a prospective therapeutic target in bacteria like the Streptococcus mutants. This strain of bacteria usually prevails in the mouth and is responsible for causing tooth decay.
According to Korotkova, the result of the study could be encouraging for developing a therapy that would prevent tooth decay by targeting specific Streptococcus mutants.
Dental plaques are responsible for tooth decay. The methods that are used for lowering plaque formation are mechanical cleansing, mouthwashes, and standard antibiotics. According to Korotkova these conventional methods of reducing plaques restricted effects against the known colonies of bacteria. Moreover, these methods can also eliminate healthy, favourable oral bacteria.
It was recognized that the cell walls of the S.mutans have polysaccharides. This was identified by Natalia Korotkova and her team. The presence of polysaccharides in the cell wall is requisite for accurate bacterial division and reproduction. As a result, it makes the enzymes that constitute them a promising target for future drug development.
Conclusion
Korotkova says that by apprehending the role of cell wall polysaccharides in the regulation of bacterial cell walls one can understand fundamental microbiology. This will also help in understanding the reason behind bacteria’s maintaining their shapes.
Korotkova finally said that the study will unlock new windows for investigating elements that control cell morphology in other bacteria. It will also help in developing new approaches.
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References:
- Zamakhaeva, S., Chaton, C. T., Rush, J. S., Ajay Castro, S., Kenner, C. W., Yarawsky, A. E., Herr, A. B., van Sorge, N. M., Dorfmueller, H. C., Frolenkov, G. I., Korotkov, K. V., & Korotkova, N. (2021). Modification of cell wall polysaccharide guides cell division in Streptococcus mutans. Nature Chemical Biology, 17(8), 878–887. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-021-00803-9
- Tooth decay stages: 5 stages and how to treat each. (2020, July 30). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/tooth-decay-stages
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