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It Works on Sushi. It Could Help Teeth, Too.

There is a claim that certain compounds found in wasabi, the piquant green horseradish that accompanies sushi, can kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Dr. Hideki Masuda came up with the notion of wasabi as a cavity fighter. Because of its ant microbial properties, wasabi is something that Japanese have eaten for hundreds of years. Dr. Masuda examined its effectiveness against streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that produce acids that degrade tooth enamel. In test tubes, the wasabi was in fact effective in inhibiting the bacteria.

The stems of wasabi contain chemical compounds known as isothiocyanates, which give it its sinus-clearing effect. These compounds can also be used to treat and prevent blood clotting, asthma, and even cancer. Dr. Masuda states that "The mechanism of action hasn't really been discovered yet," and that "Some scientists believe these compounds break down the enzyme of the bacteria's protein, or it might actually kill the bacteria itself by suffocating it." Dr. Masuda also says that wasabi horseradish must be grated into a pulp to release the compounds.

Associate executive director for science of the American Dental Association, Dr. Daniel Meyer, suggested that the validity of the results depended in part on the environment used for the experiment. He also stated "What's effective in test tubes may not affect anything at all in the mouth, which has biofilm, that jellylike film known as plaque that builds up and clings to teeth. Bacteria thrive in that, and a lot of products do not reach through it." Dr. Masuda followed up with this theory stating that mouth conditions, being a dark, moist environment where bacteria can thrive, were replicated in the experiment. But the test tube, he added, can't come close to duplicating conditions in the mouth.

Dr. Masuda has said that he would like to conduct a clinical trial with people but does not have immediate plans to do so. Speculating the possibility of acceptance, Dr. Masuda said, "I'd love to make a wasabi toothpaste, though we might have to add something to cover up that strong taste." However, finding an American market for such a product might be a challenge. Maybe one day people will go for wasabi-flavored products.

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