The dreaded dentist's drill and the floss-creating toothbrush may soon be a thing of the past thanks to two radical new inventions that could change the way we take care of our teeth.
Leeds Dental Institute scientists have come up with a solution that can mimic the way the body forms new teeth, and would do away with drilling and filling by making it possible for the teeth to repair themselves.
Tooth Decay - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Tooth decay in toddlers, children and adults, also called dental caries, is a bacterial infection causing demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.
Tooth decay in toddlers, children and adults, also called dental caries, is a bacterial infection causing demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.
While the researchers hope that this mouthwash would hit the market within the next 3 years, it is believed that the alternative to drilling could be ready for use within five years.
With the drilling alternative, which is derived from a new protein, it is possible to repair holes in the enamel on the surface of the tooth naturally. It works by creating a scaffold which attracts the minerals that form enamel just like the body creates new teeth.
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Feeling depressed or unable to face people? Well, in that case, check your smile, for tooth loss can be the reason why you're feeling so gloomy.
Feeling depressed or unable to face people? Well, in that case, check your smile, for tooth loss can be the reason why you're feeling so gloomy.
"I can't bear the noise of the drill and it is surprising how many people say just the sound is enough to instil fear. We looked at a way to treat early decay and avoid drilling," The Telegraph quoted Prof Jennifer Kirkham, Research Director at the institute, as saying.
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Annual Check Up Must Before Kids Start School Again
As part of the ritual of going back to school, parents will no doubt buy their children new clothes and supplies, and take them to the pediatrician for their annual check up.
As part of the ritual of going back to school, parents will no doubt buy their children new clothes and supplies, and take them to the pediatrician for their annual check up.
However, safety checks are already under way for the protein used in the treatment, as it is absolutely new. And Prof Kirkham hopes that it can enter trials early next year aiming to gain a licence within five years.
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Xylitol can Keep Toddlers' Teeth Healthy
Researchers at the University of Washington have suggested that tooth decay in toddlers can be treated with the topical syrup xylitol, a naturally occurring non-cavity-causing sweetener.
Researchers at the University of Washington have suggested that tooth decay in toddlers can be treated with the topical syrup xylitol, a naturally occurring non-cavity-causing sweetener.
Their other invention is a mouthwash using a molecule that is absorbed by bacteria in the mouth, which destroys the bug from within after being activated by a bright light- a method, called photo dynamic therapy. It was first looked at as a way of helping disabled patients to look after their teeth if they cannot use a normal toothbrush.
However, it promises that there's no risk to the patient in case the mouthwash is swallowed, as the molecule is completely safe and is already in use in the food industry.
Prof Kirkham said: "It is a safe alternative way of improving oral hygiene for those patients for whom brushing is not feasible or as an adjunct to brushing.
"At the moment we are not saying it is going to take over from brushing because the trials have not been done yet. We have to look at how much it is going to cost, at the moment is it is very cheap. We would wish to explore its full potential across the whole patient community and look at all the potential benefits over and above what is already out there."
She further said that the method could also be used to treat gum disease which is a major cause of tooth loss. It could be inserted below the gum line, by a hygienist during a routine scale and polish, with a tiny fibre optic light source to destroy the bacteria.
Source-ANI
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