Scientists have found a way to use nanoparticles to effectively break down plaque and wipe out more than 99.9 per cent of cavity-causing bacteria within minutes, an advance that may help better prevent tooth decay.
The bacteria that live in dental plaque and contribute to tooth decay often resist traditional antimicrobial treatment, as they can “hide” within a sticky biofilm matrix, a glue-like polymer scaffold.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania took a more sophisticated approach.
