An unexpected finding shows that bacteria and fungi can work together to
cause tooth decay.
Dental researcher, Zhi Ren of the University of Pennsylvania, observed two
separate species presenting a united face when studying the bacteria
responsible for severe tooth decay in toddlers.
The potential role of these clusters of bacteria and fungi in human saliva
in developing tooth decay was the subject of subsequent laboratory
investigation.
The research reveals several ’emergent features’ of the clusters, including
the ability to migrate and proliferate throughout our teeth, that make the
species behave almost like a completely new superorganism
cause tooth decay.
Dental researcher, Zhi Ren of the University of Pennsylvania, observed two
separate species presenting a united face when studying the bacteria
responsible for severe tooth decay in toddlers.
The potential role of these clusters of bacteria and fungi in human saliva
in developing tooth decay was the subject of subsequent laboratory
investigation.
The research reveals several ’emergent features’ of the clusters, including
the ability to migrate and proliferate throughout our teeth, that make the
species behave almost like a completely new superorganism
