Antiseptic gum

The US military is about to be equipped with a bactericidal gum, helping soldiers avoid dental problems when there is no regular brushing on the battlefield.

According to US military experts, about 15% of soldiers on duty in the country have dental problems such as gingivitis. To address that situation, researchers from the US military have invented a protein-containing gum that attacks plaque-causing bacteria. Plaque can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay. With new chewing gum, soldiers can keep their oral hygiene without toothpaste, brushes .

Streptococcus mutans KSL protein is an active ingredient in new chewing gum. Tests show that it kills harmful oral bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans . Streptococcus mutans was cultured on plates of materials like human teeth in the laboratory. The next step is to test this candy on your body.

According to Patrick DeLuca of the University of Kentucky , a member of the research team, antibacterial chewing gum will be very helpful for people who cannot afford to use the bathroom for days. Not only used in the military, this candy is also useful for people outside or other ordinary people.

Other types of disinfecting gum and some commercial mouthwash currently contain chlorhexidine . This substance can cause many side effects such as discoloration of the teeth, mouth irritation and affect taste. Many sugar-free sweets, advertised as good for teeth, only work to increase saliva to wash away food particles.

According to Leung of the dental research division of the US Army in Illinois, the KSL protein kills harmful bacteria in the mouth by attacking bacterial cell membranes. Unlike oral antiseptic compounds that manufacturers recommend that users should not swallow, KSL proteins are degraded by digestive enzymes as soon as they reach the stomach. Therefore, they do not affect normal bacteria in the intestine.

Minh Son ( According to Nature, Healthday )