The Most Naturally Variable Protein Discovered

Two chemists from San Diego, have recently announced their discovery concerning "the most naturally variable protein."  Currently it is known in a bacterium that is a key player in the formation of dental plaque.  The scientists believe "the extreme variability of the protein discovered in the bacterium Treponema denticola, evolved to adhere to the hundreds of different kinds of other bacteria that inhabit people's mouths.”

They gave the name "Treponema Variable Protein," (or TvpA) to this protein they discovered.  They have arrived at the conclusion that it is a million, to a billion times more variable than the proteins playing main roles in vertebrate immune systems.

New Suspect in Early Tooth Decay

INTELIHEALTH - Boston-area researchers may have found a new culprit in early tooth decay.

We all know that cause of tooth decay is evidently a species of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, which eats sugars and releases acid, leading to the tooth enamel dissolving that in result leads to a cavity. You might have heard about a couple of other species of bacteria associated with cavity formation, as well.

But a new study claims that even when Streptococcus mutans is not present, the risk of cavities still exists, as another species named Scardovia wiggsiae can lead to its formation.

Interesting facts about Toothpastes

Starting from my early childhood every day I use a toothpaste and know only that it cleans the teeth and foams. So I have never been thinking about its components and action mechanism.

The modern toothpastes are composed of three principal ingredients such as abrasives, fluoride, detergents, except of water which makes up 20-40% of toothpaste.

The largest part of a toothpaste is represented by abrasives. Frequently abrasives include insoluble particles of silica, calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide etc. The people of Roman Empire also used some abrasives for their antique toothpaste - it were crushed bones and oyster shells. So, it is easy to guess that the main mission of these abrasive particles is to remove dental plaque and food remainders from our teeth.

Tea and coffee - is it good for your teeth?

There is nothing like hot coffee or tea early morning. But what about your smile? Yes, black tea just as its cousin coffee do stain your teeth because of tannic acid. But tee in contrast to coffee has some alternative effect.

Due to scientists opinion drinking tea may be good way to keep your teeth healthy. They found that some compounds in tea like polyphenolic constituents may attack harmful bacteria in the mouth cavity. These compounds are capable of killing or suppressing growth and acid production of cavity-causing bacteria in dental plaque. Thanks to black tea the total mass of the dental plaque can be greatly reduced so as certain plaque bacteria lose their adherence capability.