discussion “Eating boogers is good for health”. Thoughts?

May 14, 2023

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, according to an MIT study the same could be said for mucus...and cavities. Dentists are working on a synthetic mucus they believe could keep your teeth healthy from the start. Mucus acts as a barrier that keeps bacteria from attaching to the surface of your teeth. The key is in the mucin - a protein found in mucus. UAB assistant professor of dentistry, Dr. Nathaniel Lawson, says mucus is a first line of defense for protecting your body.

"The introduction of mucins might be a way to prevent cavities by preventing bacteria from sticking to your teeth," says Dr. Lawson. "When bacteria sticks to your teeth they produce acid which essentially causes cavities."

The bacteria can also cause periodontal disease. So, what makes the idea of synthetic mucus different from current oral hygiene products? Unlike your toothpaste and mouthwash, which are designed to kill bacteria, a synthetic mucus would allow the bacteria to attach to it - not your teeth. It would be administered on top of your teeth. And, from there it's a matter of teamwork between the mucus and the saliva.

When bacteria bind to the synthetic mucus, it can be swept away by your saliva. UAB professor of dentistry, Dr. Hui Wu, says the effectiveness of mucin is not limited to oral health.

"On other sites of the body you can do the same thing."

These suggestions are based on an MIT lab study, which means it has yet to go to clinical trials. While it is accepted science that mucus and saliva serve as built-in protectors within our bodies, how likely are we to see man-made mucus up for sale? Will mucus-infused toothpaste appear on store shelves? UAB researchers have their reservations. While the laboratory science supports the findings, Dr. Wu and Dr. Lawson both say people with a lot of cavities tend to already have lots of mucin in their mouths.