A Natural Compound Discovered That Fights Tooth Decay... and a Surprise About Tea

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A Natural Compound Discovered That Fights Tooth Decay... and a Surprise About Tea

Researchers have announced that a natural compound in maple syrup could help fight tooth decay, according to new findings that could contribute to the development of alcohol-free, chemical-free oral care products.

The compound, known as epicatechin, or ECG, prevents decay-causing bacteria from growing on teeth and "is a powerful and safe alternative to traditional plaque-fighting agents," the researchers said in a statement. ECG is found in green and black tea in much higher quantities than in maple sap or syrup. Drinking green tea has long been associated with lower rates of tooth decay, the researchers said.

The researchers added that "the abundance, accessibility, and low toxicity of this natural substance make it particularly promising for inclusion in oral care products such as mouthwash, providing a safer option for young children, who often accidentally swallow mouthwash." The idea for their study grew out of their discovery in an unrelated experiment that Listeria bacteria—a common cause of food poisoning—can grow and form biofilms on most plants and wood, but not on maple.

Working with maple sap and diluted maple syrup, the researchers isolated a compound that inhibits Listeria adhesion and tested whether it had similar effects on Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that forms thin biofilms on teeth, also known as plaque, and causes tooth decay. The researchers first tested their theory with computer models, according to a report published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum.

They then confirmed that ECG inhibits decay-causing bacteria in test-tube experiments. They ultimately found that it prevents Streptococcus mutans from forming thin biofilms on plastic teeth and on discs made of hydroxyapatite, the same material found in real teeth.

"Our findings suggest that ECGOs (similar compounds with similar effects) could be added to dental products to help prevent cavities through an anti-biofilm mechanism," study leader Mark Gomelsky of the University of Wyoming said in a statement. "This differs from traditional approaches that rely on killing bacteria with alcohol, antiseptics, or essential oils, or on fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel."