Aspirin Prevents Tooth Decay

There is a story emerging in press that aspirin may prevent tooth decay. This is from a study by Queens University in Belfast. The study paper and findings NOT yet published so much of the reporting is speculation but we wanted to comment. It appears there may be some evidence that aspirin causes increased activity of the tooth nerve "stem" cells (incorrect term, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells is correct term, but stem cell used as a catch all in media) which may result in an increased turn over in secondary dentine IN the tooth. From what we understand the study was of teeth which had NO decay so you can see that some of the conclusions in the media are exagerrated. PLEASE do not start taking aspirin to teat or prevent tooth decay...