A new study on gum bacteria, scientists had been able to use light as a mode of treatment against bacteria of the oral cavity.
The dental samples obtained from patients suffering from chronic periodontitis were exposed to broadband light (380 to 520nm). The light had selectively killed oral black-pigmented bacteria in the gum cultures and the dental plaque samples obtained from patients. Medium strength light had killed bacteria like Prevotella intermedia and P. nigrescens, while stronger lights have been 99% successful in killing of P. gingivalis bacteria.Scientists opine that the killing effect is happening because of light excitation of the endogenous porphyrins of the bacteria. Their study also holds to light the fact some of the potential helpful bacteria of the mouth also lives for longer because of the light exposure.
Periodontis the gum disease that affects anyone from a child to an adult and leads to severe toothache and tooth decay that can lead to decay of the bones ultimately. Using light exposure to kill bacteria may become better good way to treat people with chronic periodontitis
The results of the study were published in the new issue of Journal of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.
Reference: Journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, issue April 2005
