Is 600 a Crowd? Ask Your Saliva.

In addition to helping us fight tooth decay, saliva is also home to over 600 types of bacteria. Scientists (again with the scientists) have found that the variety of bacteria in the saliva is not as related to diet and environment as they had suspected.  Because of all the colonies of bacteria, saliva actually contains more DNA than blood does.

The article mentions one of the benefits of saliva. Humans are not as good as animals at detecting toxins, so we vomit more than other species. Saliva helps to guard against the damage of the acid when we throw up (Charming, I know.).

Most bacteria don't help us at all. They are just along for the ride. So keep your mouth clean and visit your dentist regularly before a new species gets named after you.

Mints That Can Prevent Cavities in Children

Saliva helps to clean your teeth.  It washes away food particles and it allows teeth to absorb minerals that help to strengthen enamel.

Scientists have developed a substance called CaviStat to help in the fight against cavities. CaviStat contains an amino acid that can duplicate the remineralization effects of saliva. Studies have shown it to be more effective than fluoride at preventing cavities in children.

And now some good news for your child's sweet tooth: CaviStat now comes in chewable mints called BasicMints.  A study of BasicMints showed reduced cavities in children who ate them after brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. The study was funded by Ortek Therapeutics, the company that has licensed CaviStat. Ortek is working on getting FDA approval for BasicMints.

Ask your dentist about them.