Scientists have created a new technology that can regrow tooth-enamel, meaning that in the future cavities won't need to be filled using traditional methods.
Researchers at the University of Washington have said that they created the new product using amino acids with short peptide bonds. When these are added to teeth (at least in a laboratory) the product recreated enamel on the tooth.
At present, if tooth enamel begins to wear away this can eventually lead to the inner tooth becoming exposed to air and liquid causing pain and further destruction of the tooth. Eventually a tooth may even have to be extracted if it is not filled promptly.
Tooth enamel is made up of proteins cells called ameloblast, these are made of proteins called amelogenins. It is through mimicking these amelogenins that allows the new product to repair teeth in a process called 'remineralisation'.
Mehmet Sarikaya, a minerals scientist said:
"Remineralization guided by peptides is a healthy alternative to current dental health care. Peptide-enabled formulations will be simple and would be implemented in over-the-counter or clinical products."
While dentistry researcher Sami Dogan added:
"Bacteria metabolize sugar and other fermentable carbohydrates in oral environments and acid, as a by-product, will demineralize the dental enamel."
It is as of yet unclear as to when the product will get approval from dental and health authorities or when it will start being used by dentists. One obstacle is that the tooth needs time to be covered with the repairing product, something that could be difficult in real-world scenarios. However, it seems likely that dentists and researchers will be able to find a work-around for this issue.
If the product does become mass-marketed and achieves widespread use, it could result in an end to the dentist drill and the extensive work required to repair broken and damaged teeth, a huge relief for many.
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