Clemson University researchers working on a probiotic to fight cavities [Video]

CLEMSON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – You have heard of probiotics and how they are good for gut health, but researchers are now learning that certain bacteria are also good for the mouth.

Clemson University associate professor in biological sciences Vincent Richards is looking at DNA sequences of bacteria. He and his team are trying to decipher the bad guys versus good.

“What can happen is when you eat sugars, there are certain bacteria that live on your teeth that like to break those sugars down,” Richards said. “They produce acid and then that causes your enamel on your teeth to de-mineralize.”

This in turn produces bacteria that causes cavities. But then there are good bacteria.

“Other bacteria that live on your teeth have the ability to break down parts of your diet and produce ammonia and that raises the pH of the tooth surface,” Richards said.

Richards says they have …