Early childhood caries or EEC is one of the most prevalent, infectious diseases in American children. A quarter of the children in the US are affected by EEC, and that number soars to one half in some low socio-economic neighborhoods.

Because of the high incidence of cavities in early teeth, scientists began a study to determine the primary cause and to determine a way to stem the occurrence of cavities in children’s baby teeth.

A team of scientists identified two bacteria that appeared to be present in the most cases. These bacteria, bacterium Streptococcus mutans and Scardovia wiggsiae, are resistant to the acidity that normally suppresses cavities in these early teeth.

The Scardovia wiggsiae bacteria were newly discovered by the scientists conducting this study. They found that the Scardovia wiggsiae were highly tolerant of the acidity present in active caries and that they were sometimes present even when the Streptococcus mutans were not. This led them to believe that the Scardovia wiggsiea can cause cavities.

Their findings suggest that in addition to routine dental care (daily brushing, flossing, etc.) a chlorhexidine, povodine iodine, or fluoride rinse should be used. They also thought that using sugar substitutes would reduce the acidity in the bacteria and make them less invasive.

Learn more about caries in children, check out the full article.