According to a new study, cavities are linked to sugar, but also to starch, a complex carbohydrate, especially in people with a high number of copies of the AMY1 gene.
- Scientists have analyzed saliva samples of 31 adults aged 19 to 57 and with different quantities (from two to twenty) of AMY1 copies.
- Amy1 is the salivary amylase gene which determines the amylase level present in saliva, an enzyme that allows you to digest starch.
- In samples containing a high number of AMY1 copies, researchers have observed an increase in Streptococcus bacteria, which can cause cavities.
Pasta, rice, cereals, bread … Although they are not sweet, these foods increase the risk of cavities. Their common point is the starch they contain and which, according to a new study published in the journal Microorganismswould be harmful to oral health. However, this is not the case with everyone. During their work, researchers have indeed discovered that only people with a high number of copies of the salivary Amylase (AMY1) gene was more likely to develop cavities by consuming products containing starch, a complex glucid.
Caries: “Be vigilant about brushing your teeth after eating starch”
Amylase is an enzyme present in saliva and which allows you to digest starch. The salivary amylase gene, called Amy1, determines the rate of amylase present in saliva. This gene is in variable quantity in human beings, varying between one to twenty copies. “”Most people know that after eating a lot of sugar, you have to brush your teeth, indicates Angela Poole, main author, in a press release. The conclusion to remember here is that, depending on the number of copies of Amy1, you should be just as vigilant about brushing your teeth after eating starch”.
To study the link between starch and cavities, scientists analyzed saliva samples of 31 adults aged 19 to 57 and presenting different quantities (from two to twenty) of copies of Amy1. In the laboratory, the researchers added starch to these samples. The objective was to analyze the changes in the bacterial composition of the participants’ mouth, in other words the oral microbiota.
The number of copies of genes impact oral bacteria
According to the results, the‘Starch has reduced the bacterial diversity of the Buccal microbiota of the participants. Donor samples with periodontitis (gum disease) had lower bacterial diversity than those of healthy gums. In the samples containing a high number of copies of Amy1, the starch had an impact on two bacteria – Atopobium And Veillonella – causing dental problems. In detail, pReading there was starch, the more bacteria decreased. The less starch there was, the more they increased. In samples containing a high number of AMY1 copies, researchers have also observed an increase in bacteria Streptococcuswhich can cause cavities.
“”It is therefore not so easy to say: ‘All this is good or bad’ ‘underlines Angela Poole. It seems that the number of copies of Amy1, as well as the species present in the mouths of people when they eat starch, affect the risk of developing these diseases. If a person has a high number of copies, they break down the starch effectively, and bacteria that like these sugars will develop more in [sa] mouth”. Anyway, for good dental hygiene and to avoid cavities, theHealth insurance recommends washing your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes.
