A team of scientists are developing an apple variety that prevents tooth decay.

London Guy's Hospital experts have identified the protein that prevents natural bacteria sticking to teeth.

They aim to introduce the protein into a special dental care brand of the popular dessert fruit.

Guy's immunology expert Dr Charles Kelly said: 'Producing the protein in plants would be a good way of making it in large quantities.' But dental bosses have warned that this development, part of a wider piece of research to introduce a tooth spray, would not spell the end of the toothbrush.

US National Institute Dental and Craniofacial Research spokesman Dennis Mangan said: 'Good dental hygiene will always be necessary to beat the build up of plaque.'