Scientists are now developing a new biomaterial that can potentially rebuild worn enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity for an extended period. They describe the material, which they tested on dogs, in the American Chemical Society’s journal ACS Nano.
It is noted that tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients. Not only does it cause sharp pain, but it can also lead to more serious dental problems. The condition occurs when a tooth’s enamel degrades, exposing tiny, porous tubes, and allowing underlying nerves to become more vulnerable to hot and cold. Current treatments, including special toothpastes, work by blocking the openings of the tubes. But the seal they create is superficial and doesn’t stand up to the wear and tear of daily brushing and chewing. The research team wanted to find a more durable way to address the condition.
The researchers created a novel paste based on the elements found in teeth, namely calcium and phosphorus. They applied the mixture to dogs’ teeth. It plugged exposed tubes more deeply than other treatments. This depth could be the key, the researchers conclude, to repairing damaged enamel and providing longer-lasting relief from tooth sensitivity.
The authors’ study was supported by Taiwan’s National Science Council and the National Taiwan University Hospital. The article, “A Mesoporous Silica Biomaterial for Dental Biomimetic Crystallization,” was published in December 2014 issue of ACS Nano.
(Source: American Chemical Society News, January 13, 2015)
