Scientists have discovered a plant-based compound that may one day revolutionize oral hygiene by eliminating up to 90% of cavity-causing plaque in lab tests. The molecule, called 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM)—found naturally in certain vegetables—showed remarkable ability to break down the sticky biofilms responsible for tooth decay, all while demonstrating low toxicity.
Plaque is the perfect breeding ground for Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria behind many cavities. These microbes flourish in the sugary, warm environment of the mouth, creating a glue-like coating on teeth that erodes enamel. In laboratory studies, DIM disrupted this biofilm so effectively that the bacteria could no longer multiply, suggesting a powerful new tool in preventing dental disease.
The research, led by a team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in collaboration with Sichuan University and the National University of Singapore, was published in the journal Antibiotics. Lead author Prof. Ariel Kushmaro notes that the molecule’s safety profile means it could potentially be incorporated into toothpaste, mouthwash, or other daily-use products to boost oral health.
Still, this breakthrough comes with an important caveat—these findings are based on in-vitro (lab-based) experiments. No human or clinical trials have yet confirmed DIM’s effectiveness in real-world dental care, and the compound is not currently an approved ingredient for cavity prevention in over-the-counter products. For now, it remains an exciting candidate for future research, with potential benefits that could extend beyond oral health, as DIM is also being studied for its anti-carcinogenic properties.
While DIM-based dental products may be years away, this discovery opens the door to innovative, nature-inspired solutions that could make cavities a thing of the past—one vegetable molecule at a time.