… because I so predicted this …
US soldiers are set to add a new killing machine to their arsenal: one that wipes out bacteria. Chewing gum could help troops to avoid the frequent dental problems that arise when in the field for days on end without cleaning their teeth.
Oral hygiene may not sound like a serious problem for soldiers on manoeuvres. But US military experts point out that tooth and gum problems can be debilitating. Around 15% of deployed soldiers have experienced ‘dental emergencies’ such as gum infections, says Kai Leung of the US Army Dental Research Detachment in Great Lakes, Illinois.
The gum, developed by US Army researchers, contains a protein that attacks the bugs that cause plaque, which in turn can lead to gum infections and tooth decay. Soldiers can keep their mouths clean without toothpaste, brush and bathroom sink, its creators say.
Expect this one to hit the consumer market in a big way.
(via GeekPress)