Teeth can be damaged by bacteria because bacteria can synthesise acidic components that damage the enamel of the tooth, weakening its structure. Killing bacteria in the mouth can therefore be beneficial and there are a number of strategies to accomplish this. Fluoride is the most common element associated with tooth care and there is a misunderstanding about the way that fluoride works. As fluoride is a poison, it is able to kill bacteria on contact with them, and this is a similar mode of action to ethanol (alcohol) in mouthwash and various types of phytochemicals from plants. Both fluoride and phytochemicals such as terpenes (e.g. thymol) and phenylpropanoids (e.g. eugenol) are able to damage cells and thereby kill bacteria in the mouth, thus limiting tooth decay. Using phytochemicals to kill bacteria in the mouth may hold the advantage that the phytochemicals are not toxic to humans, and also that whilst they kill damaging bacteria, they may allow friendly bacteria to continue to colonise the mouth.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
