Could vegetables change the way we brush our teeth?

In a potentially groundbreaking new breakthrough, scientists have hailed the discovery of a vegetable compound that could help the fight against plaque.

The compound, known as DIM (Diindolylmethane) or bisindole, is typically found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. It can greatly reduce the amount of sticky biofilm that causes plaque and cavities – in some instances by up to 90%.

DIM works by targeting bacteria and eliminating much of the biofilm’s stickiness. The compound is naturally formed when consuming cabbage-like vegetables, and offers anti-carcinogenic properties as well as low toxicity and anti-virulence.

How can DIM be of practical use?

Research has found that the molecule could be included in toothpastes and mouthwashes. As such, it could hugely improve dental hygiene while waging war on caries. The latter are a major issue amongst schoolchildren, with over 60% at risk in lower to middle income geographies.

While existing pastes, mouthwashes and regular dental appointments all play their part, studies have sought to identify better solutions from more natural sources. At stake is plaque buildup, dental cavities and enamel erosion caused by streptococcus mutans biofilm bacteria. At the time of writing, it is still too early to say for sure that DIM is a bona fide dental solution, but according to study author, Ariel Kushmaro, researchers are encouraged by their findings.

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