Tooth decay is the most prevalent dental disease in the world. Left too long before treatment, the disease results in difficulty eating, infection and tooth loss.

Research has already suggested a link between oral health and inflammatory diseases, in particular, heart attacks and strokes.

Researchers have developed computer simulations showing how lasers attack oral bacterial colonies, suggesting that using lasers could lead to better dental health.

Dr Anne George of the University of Illinois believes dentists should instead fill cavities with the dentine matrix protein 1