British researchers have discovered a new species of bacteria, which could improve the treatment of cavities, but also gingivitis, according to an article published in the journal International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM). Recently discovered strains of a bacterium called “Prevotella” lodge in the tissues of the mouth. By combating them, it would thus be possible to improve oral health.
Cavities and gingivitis are the most common infectious diseases of the mouth. According to Pr. Wade, of the Dental Institute of King’s College, author of the study, “1 ml of saliva contains 100 million bacteria, from 600 different species”. And to add: “We still have to discover and describe half of them.”
According to a recent INSEE study, 11% of people with the lowest incomes suffer from cavities, compared to 6% of the rest of the population.
Oral hygiene in numbers
– 5 billion: this is the number of people with at least one cavity in the world (Source: WHO)
– 80% of children without cavities at 12 years old: this is the WHO objective for 2010
– 6, 9, 12.15 and 18 years old: these are the ages at which the French benefit from free oral screening
– 1.95: this is the average number of cavities of young French people aged 15
– 1.7: the number of toothbrushes purchased per French person per year (Source: TTNS Sofres, 2006)
– 30%: this is the percentage of French people who brush their teeth three times a day (source: TNS Sofres, 2006)
– 59%: this is the proportion of French people who go to the dentist once a year (source: TNS Sofres, 2006)
