A vaccine is in development that may help elimate cavities in children. It works by attacking the bacteria that causes cavities to form. Some inert proteins from streptococcus mutans are introduced in a baby's mouth before teeth arrive to help trigger an immune response after the teeth come in and solids are started. Newhouse News Service.
Scientists say vaccine fights dental cavities.
Childers, N.K., et al. A controlled clinical study of the effect of nasal immunization with a Streptococcus mutans antigen alone or incorporated into liposomes on induction of immune responses. Childers, N.K., et al. Nasal immunization of humans with dehydrated liposomes containing Streptococcus mutans antigen.