Discover How Dental Science May Eradicate Cavities Forever
One of the biggest concerns of patients visiting their dentist is the possibility that new cavities will be discovered. For some, this concept is so stressful that they do the worst thing possible; they avoid seeing their dentist. If you’re one of the 61% of people in the world that experience dental anxiety, this announcement will give you hope for the future. A recent breakthrough has revealed the existence of a molecule that could spell the end of our concerns about cavities and bring about a future where fillings are a thing of the past.
How Two Discoveries Came Together To Create One Potential Breakthrough
Some time ago, a molecule was discovered in our saliva known as peptide histamine 5. This peptide had demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties that specifically targeted problem bacteria in the oral cavity. Another study had revealed that phosphoserine, a chemical compound, was capable of stimulating remineralization in teeth. These two studies resulted in another one that was published in January of 2020, where the effect of combining these two agents was explored. The results of that study were promising and showed that using the combined substances produced the following results:
- The created molecule bonded strongly with tooth enamel
- Teeth that had bonded with this molecule showed high decay suppression
- Reconstruction of enamel that had been damaged by oral bacteria occurred
- Plaque buildup was reduced in those subjects using this substance
The process began by combining the two substances, peptide histamine 5 and phosphoserine, into one new peptide. Peptides are similar to proteins, being constructed of numerous amino acids. However, they are generally smaller than proteins and have less well-defined structures. They also tend to serve very different functions.
So how effective was this new molecule? When administered to patients who had plaque and tartar on their teeth, the majority of these substances were destroyed within 24 hours. This effectively removed the ability of harmful bacteria to grow on the teeth and produce the acids that weaken enamel. Further testing is going to be necessary, so we’re actively watching for more studies like these coming out of the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal.
Maintaining Dental Hygiene Continues To Be Necessary
While this new substance promises great things for the future of dentistry, it’s still necessary to maintain a dedicated oral hygiene routine. At present, this is the only way to guarantee protection from gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Maintain the following practices to ensure that your smile remains strong and healthy for years to come:
- Two minutes of brushing every day
- Consistent flossing between all your teeth at each brushing
- Using mouthwash at each brushing
- Twice yearly visits to your dental care provider
Until further studies are conducted, and the ability of this molecule to change our dental future is confirmed, these steps will protect your smile. You should also make sure to schedule your next regular dental checkup! Your dentist remains your best ally in the fight against oral health concerns. Together you can keep that smile healthy and beautiful!
