Tooth enamel is one of the few tissues in the body that doesn't repair itself, which is why tooth decay is such a widespread health problem. Fillings are essentially the only widely available treatment option at the moment, but now Chinese researchers have created a new peptide-based coating that can solve the problem.
Human saliva is a natural protective agent against tooth decay, but it also has its limitations: especially in the context of a diet like the Western one, rich in sugar. That's why the researchers in the new study decided to lend a hand to the antimicrobial peptides in saliva with a new coating that can eliminate tooth decay.
The substance used is called H5, and forms a thin protective film on the teeth that kills bacteria and fungi. To enhance its function, the team added a group of phosphoserine at the end of the peptide. It was thought that this would increase H5's enamel repair capacity by attracting more calcium ions to the area.
H5 "modified", laboratory tests
Using human tooth samples, the researchers tested the modified peptide and compared it to natural H5. They found that their improved version protected teeth from demineralization (loss of tooth enamel) and was more effective at adhering to tooth surfaces, preventing bacterial biofilm from forming.
The team says this synthesized peptide could eventually be made into a coating to be applied in the form of a gel. When used after brushing your teeth, this may provide longer lasting protection against cavities.
eliminate caries, ongoing research
This isn't the only study trying to tackle the cavity problem. Other teams have created remineralizing toothpastes , probiotic pills to prevent tooth decay and other remedies. To bad, if the cavity has won the battle we can mold new teeth in 3D. Obviously antibacterial, so annoying canker sores in the oral cavity will also disappear. Tiè.
The new research was published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces .
