{"id":214,"date":"2025-03-12T06:02:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T06:02:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secondlinefamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=214"},"modified":"2025-04-18T06:02:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T06:02:38","slug":"new-bacteria-are-linked-to-tooth-decay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.secondlinefamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2025\/03\/12\/new-bacteria-are-linked-to-tooth-decay\/","title":{"rendered":"New Bacteria are Linked to Tooth Decay"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you’re like most, you may think the facts about cavities are all settled. Even so, the truth is more shocking; scientists only recently noted that new bacteria are linked to tooth decay. That means you’ll want to brush up on your dental knowledge to keep your smile safe<\/a>. Luckily enough, your Metairie dental practice will help you do just that. Continue reading to learn about the new bacterial discovery and ways to prevent tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Context: Bacteria Decay Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whatever people may say, teeth don\u2019t get cavities out of nowhere. They suffer decay due to the effects of certain bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until recently, it was thought that the decaying bacterium was only Streptococcus mutans<\/em>. Researchers held that this microbe was the leading cause of cavities, as it\u2019d cling to teeth and erode enamel. The other 700+ strains of bacteria in your mouth would thus be largely blameless; they\u2019d simply be benign microbes living on your teeth, tongue, and gum pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New Bacteria Discovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, science still holds that Streptococcus mutans causes tooth decay. It\u2019s just that scientists now see another kind of bacteria as a source of cavities as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This conclusion was made by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of North Carolina. In a 2023 study by these scholars, it was found that bacteria called Selenomonas sputigena<\/em> also decay teeth. These microbe even amplifies Streptococcus mutans\u2019 <\/em>ability to cause cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent Tooth Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several bacteria are now known to decay teeth, so you\u2019ll need to prevent cavities as best you can. Just make sure to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n