The U.S. Military to be Equipped with Antibacterial Chewing Gum to Combat Oral Health Issues in the Field
According to U.S. military experts, approximately 15% of soldiers on duty face oral health issues such as gum disease. To address this problem, researchers in the U.S. military have developed a type of chewing gum that contains proteins targeting bacteria responsible for dental plaque. Plaque can lead to gum disease and cavities. With this new chewing gum, soldiers can maintain oral hygiene without the need for toothpaste or toothbrushes.
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Streptococcus mutans Bacteria |
KSL Protein is the active ingredient in this new chewing gum. Tests have shown that it kills harmful bacteria in the mouth, such as Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria was cultured on materials resembling human teeth in laboratory settings. The next step is to test this gum on humans.
According to Patrick DeLuca from the University of Kentucky, a member of the research team, the antibacterial chewing gum will be very useful for those without access to a bathroom for several days. This gum is not only beneficial for military personnel but also for outdoor enthusiasts and the general public.
Other antibacterial chewing gums and some mouthwashes on the market today contain the compound chlorhexidine. This substance can cause various side effects, such as tooth discoloration, mouth irritation, and alterations in taste. Many sugar-free gums, marketed as tooth-friendly, only serve to increase saliva production to wash away food particles.
According to Leung from the U.S. military’s oral research unit in Illinois, KSL protein eliminates harmful bacteria in the mouth by attacking bacterial cell membranes. Unlike the antibacterial compounds found in mouthwash, which manufacturers advise against swallowing, KSL proteins are broken down by digestive enzymes as soon as they reach the stomach. Therefore, they do not affect normal bacteria in the intestines.
Minh Sơn (According to Nature, Healthday)