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The European Journal of Oral Sciences recently published an article linking nicotine to accelerated growth of the bacteria that causes cavities.
The study investigatived seven different strains of the bacteria associated with cavities --Streptococcus mutans or S. mutans-- that thrive in dental plaque which forms on teeth and cause cavities to form. S. mutans treated with nicotine created thicker and denser plaque in the study.
Researchers believe that the reason nicotine increases plaque growth is that it increases the metabolism of the S. mutans which eats carbohydrates on your teeth, a process which creates acid that destroys tooth enamel and thus forms cavities faster.
The findings of this report are consistent with an earlier study published in February 2012 which found that smokers had worse oral health then non-smokers do. However, that report also found that non-smokers are more likely to delay routine dental visits which could play a part in their worsening oral health.
Interesting connection. Was the February 2012 study also published in The European Journal of Oral Sciences?
ReplyDeleteNo, the E.J.O.S. didn't say where the February '12 study was published just that the first report said that non-smokers and better overall oral health than smokers did.
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