Scientists have found that a molecule called DIM can reduce plaque-causing biofilms by 90%. When added to toothpaste and mouthwash, it can revolutionize dental hygiene.
3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) is Streptococcus mutans Reduces biofilm by 90%, the main cause of plaque and tooth decay.
A significant portion of the world’s population experiences, or will someday face, persistent problems with plaque and tooth decay. Toothpaste, mouthwash, and regular dental visits can help prevent this, but there is always room for improvement.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, in collaboration with teams from Sichuan University and the National University of Singapore, have found that 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), a naturally occurring molecule also called bicindole, can reduce biofilms. identified that there is a A staggering 90% cause plaque and tooth decay.
This molecule has also been found to have anticarcinogenic properties.
Their findings were recently published in a journal Antibiotics.
Your mouth is a wonderful reservoir for bacteria such as: S. mutanswhich is believed to be one of the main causes of tooth decay. Streptococcus mutans It grows in the moist, sweet atmosphere of the mouth after food and in the biofilm that covers the teeth. Biofilms produce plaque, attack the enamel, and cause tooth decay. Scientists found that bicindole (DIM) destroyed 90% of that biofilm, thus giving the bacteria no chance to grow.
“This molecule, which turns out to be less toxic, has the potential to be added to toothpaste and mouthwash to significantly improve dental hygiene,” said Abram and Stella Goldstein-Gollen, head of the Biotechnology Engineering School. Author Professor Ariel Cushmaro says: He is also a member of the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change.
Reference: “3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM): A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Cariogenicity” Streptococcus mutans “Biofilm,” Yifat Baruch, Karina Golberg, Kung Sung, Karina Yufung Jin, Robert S. Marks, Ariel Kushmarro, 6 June 2023, Available here. Antibiotics.
DOI: 10.3390/Antibiotic 12061017
The research was carried out with his students Yifat Baruch, Dr. Karina Golberg, Prof. Robert S. Marks of the same department, and Mr. Kung Sun. Ms. Carina Yufeng Jin, Professor of Sichuan University PhD from National University of Singapore.
This work was supported by the Sichuan International Research and Development Program (2019YFH0113) and SMART Innovation Grant ING-000398 (Singapore).