New chemical helps you keep all 32 teeth

Trips to the dentist might be a thing of the past with the discovery of a new chemical that could make human teeth cavity-proof.

The molecule, called Keep 32 after the 32 teeth in a human mouth, was designed by dentists in Chile. In tests, it wipes out all the bacteria that cause cavities in just 60 seconds.

Researchers say that when added to gum, toothpaste or mouthwash, or even to foods, the chemical can stop bacteria damaging your teeth as you eat.

The chemical targets the bacteria that turns the sugar in your mouth into lactic acid, which erodes tooth enamel.

Keep 32 works by exterminating the bacteria in your mouth, preventing damage to teeth before it happens. The protective effect of the product is thought to keep teeth cavity-proof for several hours.

The product could be on the market in 14 months, according to researchers José Córdoba from Yale University and Erich Astudillo from the University of Chile.

The researchers hope to licence the patent to chemical giants such as Procter & Gamble.

“We are currently in talks with five interested [parties] in investing in our project or buying our patent,” the researchers say.

Perhaps this project is worth sinking your teeth into.