10/30/2025
🥦 Compound Found in Broccoli Kills 90% of Cavity-Causing Bacteria
A natural molecule from vegetables could transform dental care.
Scientists have discovered that a molecule produced when we eat cruciferous vegetables — like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts — can wipe out the bacteria that cause cavities. The compound, known as 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), killed 90% of Streptococcus mutans biofilms in lab tests, according to a new study by Ben-Gurion University, in collaboration with researchers from Singapore and China.
Streptococcus mutans is the main culprit behind plaque and tooth decay. It forms sticky biofilms on tooth enamel, which trap acids that erode the surface and cause cavities. DIM appears to disrupt the bacteria’s ability to form those films, effectively dismantling their protective layer and leaving them vulnerable.
The findings are still preliminary — the experiments were conducted in vitro, not yet in humans — but researchers believe DIM could someday be added to toothpaste or mouthwash to prevent decay naturally. Beyond its dental potential, DIM is already being studied for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, making it one of nature’s more versatile molecules.
So while it’s too early to swap your toothpaste for kale juice, this study offers a promising glimpse into how compounds from plants might power the next generation of oral health care.
Read the study:
Baruch, Y., et al. “3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM): A Potential Therapeutic Agent against Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans Biofilm.” Antibiotics, 6 June 2025.
📸 Credit: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
