Natural Molecule DIM Shows Remarkable Potential in Dental Care

SINGAPORE: Dental plaque and cavities are persistent issues affecting a significant portion of the global population. While preventive measures like toothpaste, mouthwash, and regular dental visits are essential, researchers are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance oral health.

A study conducted by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in collaboration with teams from Sichuan University and the National University of Singapore, has unveiled a promising solution. 

They have identified that 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a naturally occurring molecule also known as bisindole, has the potential to reduce biofilms responsible for plaque and cavities by an astounding 90%.

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Battling the Culprit: S. mutans

Dental cavities often stem from the actions of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a bacterium that thrives in the moist and sugary environment of the mouth. It forms a biofilm on teeth, leading to plaque buildup, enamel erosion, and ultimately, cavities. The researchers found that DIM disrupted this biofilm by 90%, preventing the bacterium from proliferating.

Lead author Prof. Ariel Kushmaro of the Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering suggests that DIM, with its low toxicity, could be incorporated into toothpaste and mouthwash formulations. This integration could significantly enhance dental hygiene and plaque prevention, potentially transforming oral care practices.

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A Multidisciplinary Effort

The study, published in the journal Antibiotics, was a collaborative effort involving Prof. Kushmaro’s student Yifat Baruch, Dr. Karina Golberg, Prof. Robert S. Marks of the same department, Qun Sun of Sichuan University, and Karina Yew-Hoong Gin of the National University of Singapore. The research received support from the International Research and Development Program of Sichuan and the SMART innovation grant ING-000398 (Singapore).

This discovery holds promise for by introducing a natural and effective means of combating plaque and cavities. Further research and development may lead to innovative oral hygiene products that benefit individuals worldwide.

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