The lifetime tooth decay vaccine is now available (in Honduras) | Hacker News Reader

The lifetime tooth decay vaccine is now available (in Honduras)

en.wikipedia.org

59 pointsmouse_17 comments

From the article:

On a different line of research, Jeffrey Hillman from the University of Florida[6] developed a genetically modified strain of Streptococcus mutans called BCS3-L1, that is incapable of producing lactic acid – the acid that dissolves tooth enamel – and aggressively replaces native flora. In laboratory tests, rats who were given BCS3-L1 were conferred with a lifetime of protection against S. mutans.[7] BCS3-L1 colonizes the mouth and produces a small amount of a lantibiotic, called MU1140,[7] which allows it to out-compete S. mutans.[8] Hillman suggested that treatment with BCS3-L1 in humans could also provide a lifetime of protection, or, at worst, require occasional re-applications. He stated that the treatment would be available in dentists' offices and "will probably cost less than $100."[9] The product was being developed by Oragenics, but was shelved in 2014, citing regulatory concerns and patent issues.[10] In 2016, Oragenics received a 17-year patent for the product.[11] In 2023, the startup Lumina Probiotic began offering BCS3-L1 application in Próspera, Honduras.

That sounds like a two for one deal - your partner doesn't need to pay for the treatment, you just share a passionate kiss and now they too have the improved bacteria

super interesting but seems risky

> The product was being developed by Oragenics, but was shelved in 2014, citing regulatory concerns and patent issues

I would be curious what the regulatory issues were. If it was unsafe or not tested enough that would be important to know.

Patent issues don’t say anything about safety to the end user and blocking such a helpful treatment on IP grounds is borderline immoral.

I wrote an article about this exact technology almost 20 years ago, back in 2006[1]. Nifty to see the product actually reaching the market.

[1]https://www.damninteresting.com/retired/no-more-cavities/

Instead of this mostly general wiki article, link to the firm offering the treatment in Honduras, Lumina Probiotic.

Some discussion last week: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39744430

I’ve heard it suggested that removing this bacteria could make room in the ecosystem for bacteria that are even more problematic. Of course I heard that from a dentist five seconds after he heard about the idea so take that for what it’s worth.

This treatment does not remove any bacteria, it replaces it with the same bacteria with the exception that it does not drill holes in your enamel.

They state, but do not link to nor give authors names of the "science" https://www.luminaprobiotic.com/science

$5000 and not approved in other regions? I would be a little wary, but maybe using regions with little regulation could be a great way to test the product?

There is absolutely no way a dentist is going to apply a treatment that is essentially certain to put them out of business. This is a crazy as a software engineer developing a tool that writes code...oh wait.

They’ll still have the anti vaxxers.

And it's not for the first time. This BBC article shows how best to keep plaque away from your teeth but no dentist or hygienist will mention it to you because, well you know why. People, mostly elderly, are literally dying because this knowledge is not being disseminated widely. Spread the word. (The first article about this technique appeared in BBC circa 1995.) [1]

[1]https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220718-the-best-way-to-...

> no dentist or hygienist will mention it to you because, well you know why.

Every single dentist I've been to has told me this method. Maybe it's a regional thing?

The only drill and fill dentist I ever encountered had a great location for temporary residents and wasn't recommended to me by anyone.. I think most dentists work on lifetime value and prefer to give the advice in the article to anyone who seems open to advice.

That technique is something you get pretty much automatically if you use an electric toothbrush.

Maybe for you but for me it didn't work at all until I used the 45 degree angle (with electric tooth brush and tooth paste) approach. For me I could tell that things were getting better when I could stop flossing for a week and then floss and there was no bleeding or tenderness. Before the 45 degree technique my gums were tender from flossing almost all the time. I'm not sure that every mouth is different but I'm pretty sure that there is a lot variety. My mouth creates a lot saliva that, in turn, creates a lot plaque.

This might be fun. Offer to kiss people so the bacteria can transfer. Requires at least X minutes to be effective.

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