Up to 30 per cent of Australians experience serious gum disease. The bacterial infection causes bleeding, swollen gums and bad breath. It is a major cause of tooth loss and has been linked to increased risk of other health problems including heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

The bacteria that cause gum disease have enzymes on their surface that contribute to bleeding and swelling of the gum tissue.

Dr Elena Toh discovered that several peptides—small fragments of protein—found in milk are able to supress the activity of these enzymes.

She believes the peptides could be added to a toothpaste or gel to help prevent gum disease.

“It should be a cheap and simple way to help prevent the disease,” she says. “And because the peptides are derived from milk, there are no toxicity issues.”