Scientists have put something called 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) in the spotlight, this compound also called bidinsole, is a natural one present in Broccoli, cabbage and Brussel Sprouts.
In the laboratory trials, DIM distroyed up to 90% of biofilm formed because of the Streptococcus mutans, which is a bacteria highly linked to the dental plaque and tooth decay. This discovery, which has been lead by Ariel Kushmaro en la Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and published in the Antibiotics journal, shows a promising way to strengthen dental health without using aggressive agents.
Even though brushing our teeth, using dental floss and rinsing helps, biofilms that stick to the tooth keep offering a nice refuge to bacteria. S.mutans thrive after food in warmth and sugary conditions, creating a thick and sticky layer that later becomes plaque and damage enamel. In the laboratory, DIM interrupted that layer nearly completely, stopping microbes to multiply and stick.
Another good thing about this compound is the low toxicity: Since it comes from common food, it represents an softer alternative to certain chemicals present already in dental products. Besides, the reaction of DIM seems selective facing the problematic bacterias, which is key to any solution that will integrate daily dental hygiene.
What the study days
The study, lead by Ariel Kushmaro and other collaborators like Yifat Baruch, Karina Golberg, Robert S. Marks, Qun Sun y Karina Yew-Hoong Gin, was centered in measuring how biofilm respondes to Streptococcus mutans in the presence of 3,3′-Diindolylmethane. The result showed reductions up to 90% in controlled conditions. The bisindole doesn’t “sterilize” the mouth, but it destroys the disarticulates the sticky structure that protects bacteria, which in turns make it easier for brushing and flossing to work better.
For now, the evidence comes from a laboratory. There are no other human tests that confirms the clinical efficiency of preventing bacteria plaque or tooth decay.
Could it become the next item in our toiletry bag?
If other future researches confirm the use on people, then yes, DIM could complement (not replace) brushing and flossing, maybe it would be incorporated in toothpastes or rinse to reduce the plaque. It could be really interesting to be able to use this in communities where access is limited to professionals, offering a low toxicity option coming from aliments to support dental health.
This compound present in Broccoli, cabbage and Brussel sprouts have been studied in other context for it’s biological profile. What’s next here is the potential appliance over oral biofilm.
What we can do now for our dental health
There’s still a little wait an a few human trials to do before DIM is validated, but we can still give ourself a nice dental care. Here’s what you can do to keep your teeth in good shape:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with the right technique
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes
- Rinse when indicated
- Go to your dentist for a periodical check
- A low sugar diet is always goo to limit the S. Mutants subtract.
The 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a natural bidinsole comming from Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts and Cabbage, showed the laboratory the capacity of destroying up to 90% of the biofilm from Streptococcus mutans. This study signed by Kushmaro in the University of the Negev suggest a bright future for dental hygiene and teeth protection lead buy natural components and low toxicity ingredients.
Would yo use it if it was already out in the market? I know I would! The research is still on it’s way, but there’s already positivity in confirming the human benefits and defining how to add it safely to our everyday dental care routine.