Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine which is also known as pyridoxal phosphate is used in production of red blood cells and in biochemical reactions involved in metabolism of amino acids. It is also responsible in synthesis of of antibodies in immune system and helps maintain normal brain function. Vitamin B6 deficiency is rare except for alcoholics. It causes skin disorders, abnormal nervous system known as neuropathy, confusion, poor coordination, and insomnia. Inflammation of lips, tongue and rest of mouth are oral symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 can be found in organ meats, brown rice, fish, whole grains, fortified breads and cereals, and legumes.

Vitamin B9 Folacin is a Vitamin B-complex which interacts with Vitamin B12 for synthesis of DNA which is important for all cells in body. Folacin, a combination of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C, is essential in breakdown of proteins and production of red blood cells, tissue growth, and cell function. It also stimulates appetite and formation of digestive acids. Folacin deficiency causes anemia, stunted growth, and irritation of mouth. Alcoholics, malnourished, poor, elderly, and those who have certain illnesses are usually ones found to be Vitamin B9 deficients.Vitamin B9 is found in legumes, citrus fruits, whole grain cereals, and green vegetables.

Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin like all other Vitamin B-complex is essential in processing of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Vitamin B12 is also needed for maintenance of our nerve sheaths, activates amino acids during protein formation, and helps in perpetuation of cells and fomation of new ones. One interesting thing about Vitamin B12 is that it cannot be absorbed by body unless combined with mucoprotein made in stomach. Once Vitamin B12 attaches to mucoprotein, it travels in small intestine to be absorbed by body. Vitamin B12 deficiency is recurrently seen in strict vegetarians who do not take vitamin supplements. A deficiency can also cause pernicious anemia which in turn causes weakness, numbness of extremities, and fever.

Pantothenic acid and biotin are last two Vitamin B-complexes. Pantothenic acid is used in breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids while biotin functions as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions. There is no known disorder associated with pantothenic acid deficiency while deficiency in biotin can cause scaly dermatitis which is a skin disorder. Pantothenic acid is mainly found in meat, legumes, and whole-grain cereals while abundance of biotin is found in beef liver, mushrooms, and egg yolk.

The American Association for Dental Research and International Association for Dental Research have long been collaborating to disseminate ways of preventing tooth decay. They educate people of how proper oral hygiene methods of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, regular dental checkup, sealant treatment, flossing, eating nutritious meals, and limiting in-between meals will always be indispensable.

Dental researchers have recently discovered how bacteria which attack teeth, stick themselves to enamel. This new information could bring significant benefits to increase public's knowledge on eliminating harmful effects of tooth decay-causing bacteria (Streptococcus mutans). Aside from this, they are also in process of developing vaccines against tooth decay and discovering other new methods on targeting and killing decay-causing bacteria.

Other tooth decay treatments, i.e., dental implants, Healozone gas blast (blast that triggers saliva to fix teeth naturally), and squirting genetically modified bacteria that will not produce decay acid, are also being developed. The use of fiber optics and fluorescence methodologies is also being considered to possibly detect tooth decay much sooner than x-rays and visual inspections can.

These advancements in treating dental cavities are evidences of increasing attention to oral care. But relying mainly on these discoveries does not guarantee complete disappearance of tooth decay from list of most common global health problems. Further improvements on tooth decay treatment entails expanded dental care education, early interception of poor oral hygiene habits, greater parental involvement in children's dental health and appreciating how priceless a confident smile is.