Cavities May Disappear With New Dental Discoveries
When most of us arrive at our next annual dental appointment, we’re concerned about them finding new cavities. This concern goes beyond simple fears of the pain and expense of having them corrected. Many of us take pride in our smiles and our personal hygiene practices. Cavities are typically attributed to insufficient dental hygiene practices. Despite there being other possible causes, it can make us feel ashamed when a new one is found. For some patients, the concern lay in dental anxiety. This condition affects nearly 61% of the population to one degree or another.
These Worries May Disappear Thanks To New Dental Discoveries
The good news is that all of us may soon be able to rest easy. There have been developments that may spell the end of cavities once and for all. New properties of peptide histamine 5 were discovered during a study some years ago. This enzyme demonstrates stalwart antimicrobial properties. The study showed that these properties were effective at reducing the presence of streptococcus mutans. This strain of bacteria is the one responsible for tooth decay. The results of this study published in January 2020 also revealed:
- Enamel was able to bond strongly with the new molecule
- This bond resulted in high resistance to tooth decay
- Reconstruction was found to occur on enamel bonded with this molecule
- Plaque and tartar were less likely to accumulate on treated teeth
The study began by combining a substance known as phosphoserine with peptide histamine 5. The result was a new peptide. Being formed of amino acids, peptides share many similarities with proteins. However, they’re smaller than proteins and are built with less well-defined structures. They also perform different functions than proteins.
This molecule’s effectiveness was readily apparent. Subjects in the study were treated with this molecule and saw a reduced accumulation of biofilms (plaque and tartar) immediately. Within 24 hours, these biofilms were found to be nearly absent. Ongoing testing is likely to continue being published in the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Journal.
Practicing Oral Hygiene Will Remain Essential
While dental technology is amazing, this potential cavity cure won’t remove the need for brushing. While this potential treatment could eliminate the bacteria responsible for cavities, there are other concerns. Food could still stain your teeth, and we’d still want to keep our breath minty fresh. That’s hard to do when you have particles of food stuck in your teeth. To avoid these concerns, keep up with the following practices:
- Brush for two minutes each day
- Floss every gap between your teeth, upper and lower
- Follow up with a swish of mouthwash
- See your dentist at least twice a year
Even as dental technology advances, these practices are going to ensure you have a beautiful smile. You’ll also want to schedule your next bi-annual visit to your dentist. After all, it pays to stay ahead of the game. Reach out to your dental care provider for the latest news and information about oral hygiene! They’re an amazing source of information.
April Toyer, DDS, FAAPD
The team at Lifetime Dental Care brings a full range of services to patients in and around the Woodbridge, VA area. These four doctors bring a range of experience, diverse backgrounds, and professional knowledge together to provide families with a safe and friendly home for their oral health needs.