The researchers point out when the environment in the mouth becomes too acidic cavities and other dental problems can arise. Lead author Robert Burne said, “At that point, bacteria on the teeth make acid, and acid dissolves the teeth. It’s straightforward chemistry. We got interested in what activities keep the pH elevated.”
The bacteria the researchers found was a strain of streptococcus called A12.
Coauthor Marcelle Nascimento, said, “If we get to the point where we can confirm that people who have more of this healthy type of bacteria in the mouth are at lower risk of cavities, compared to those who don’t carry the beneficial bacteria and may be at high risk, this could be one of the factors that you measure for cavities risk.”