"Keep 32" being tested as a cavity-proofing chemical

Tyler, TX — Scientists report they may have discovered a chemical that makes teeth cavity-proof, potentially eliminating the need for costly and painful fillings in the future, Chile newspaper Diario Financiero and FOXnews.com reported.

Researchers Jose Cordova from Yale University and Erich Astudillo from the Universidad de Santiago in Chile, who discovered the chemical, said it is able to eliminate the cavity-producing bacteria Streptococcus mutans in as little as 60 seconds. They called the chemical "Keep 32"—because there are 32 teeth in the human mouth.

The chemical could be incorporated into a variety of products ranging from toothpaste and mouthwash to gum and candy.

"Keep 32" could be on the market in 14–18 months if it proves successful in human trials. They have filed a patent in the U.S. for the product, which they hope to license to hygiene-oriented corporations such as Colgate or Procter & Gamble.

KETK called the American Dental Association in Chicago and got a statement from them about this new "Keep 32" cavity chemical:

“Although the American Dental Association (ADA) has been alerted to this story (spread largely through the Internet so far as we can tell at this point), the ADA cannot comment on this chemical with respect to its effectiveness or even with regard to its existence. We do note that there appears to be no published research studies demonstrating that it selectively kills Streptococcus mutans, is safe, or prevents cavities. Before a chemical like the one described in the story can become a product available for human use, a manufacturer must show that it is safe and effective by conducting, and submitting the results of, clinical trials to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its review."

KETK also tried to contact local-area dentists in Tyler but they were unable to speak about this topic becuase it is so new, there isn't a lot of information out about it yet.