Dental Caries Prevention by Camellia sinensis
Mary Barker
Tooth Decay
Ancient Japanese folklore tells how drinking tea leads to long life and clean teeth. At least the second part of this fable seems to be true. Recent research indicates that tea is able to counter some of the microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Lactobacillus that can form plaque and biofilms on teeth, resulting in tooth decay.
Microorganisms from the genus Streptococcus are gram-positive bacteria. They have a round shape and frequently grow in chains. They are anaerobes that thrive in a complex culture. Streptococcus can cause many diseases, ranging from strep throat, to necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) to the more mild tooth biofilm build-up. Although not the most dangerous inflictions caused by this genus, here the focus is on the latter condition and how to prevent it.
Lactobacillus are also a gram positive bacteria. They are organotrophs that develop in a rod-like shape. They can sometimes grow in clusters, and are especially prominent in tooth biofilm, where they thrive in the high sugar conditions. Lactobacillus’ main source of energy is found from metabolizing sugars into lactic acid, a process that makes them prime candidates for mouth dwellers.
Bacterium Causing Tooth Decay
Dental caries is a gradual process, that begins with the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, usually caused by prolonged exposure of the teeth and mouth to sucrose. This process has three basic steps.
1. Bacteria, usually from a food source, attached to the teeth.
2. Glycocalyx is formed when glucosyl transferase, a bacterial enzyme, reacts with sucrose
3. Formation of biofilm, as bacteria metabolise carbohydrates and produce acid that eventually decays the tooth.
Tea
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Effects of Tea on Dental Caries
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Conclusion
Overall paper length should be 3,000 words, with at least 3 figures.
References
Edited by student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 238 Microbiology, 2009, Kenyon College.
