Tooth decay inhibition,

Bacteria on the surface of our teeth metabolize sugars to produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH enough to slowly dissolve tooth enamel. Fluoride inhibits tooth decay because it forms fluorapatite, Cal0(PO4)6F2, which is more acid resistant than hydroxyapatite. 

Precautions Polyphenol substances in tea are believed to inhibit the action of carcinogens in food and tobacco, and may protect against heart disease. Other elements of tea may prevent tooth decay. Tannins in tea help fight bacteria and viruses. 

A catalyst is a substance that changes the speed of a chemical reaction without undergoing a permanent chemical change itself. Most reactions in the body, the atmosphere, and the oceans occur with the help of catalysts. Much industrial chemical research is devoted to the search for more effective catalysts for reactions of commercial importance. Extensive research efforts also are devoted to finding means of inhibiting or removing certain catalysts that promote undesirable reactions, such as those that corrode metals, age our bodies, and cause tooth decay. 

Fluorides appear in measurable concentration in wastewater of the aluminum, glass, and electronic industries, as well as in some of the mineral waters. The fluoride content of the drinking water was found to be beneficial in inhibiting the tooth decay. Therefore it is recommended to add NaF up to a concentration of 1 mg fluoride/dm. Above this, yellow spots show up on the teeth or other unwanted health problems can occur. Therefore the checking of the fluoride content of the drinking water must be done with a high frequency. 

Methanohc extract markedly inhibited water-insoluble glucan synthesis (an initial step in tooth decay) by the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans the active principles were found to be oleanolic acid (see also Ugustrum) and ursohc acid. Common jujube has no significant toxic effects on experimental animals. ... 

Inhibition of sialidase by Neu5Ac2en may be important in specialized tissue sites, e.g. saliva, where sialidase-producing bacteria may influence tooth decay and mouth hygiene (Haverkamp et al. 1976). 

Thienamycin also was discovered in an assay based on beta-lactamase susceptibility. Mutastein, a fungal glycoprotein that inhibits the synthesis of insoluble glucan by the bacteria causing the formation of dental plaque, has been used commercially as a prophylactic agent for tooth decay. 

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