Goodbye to Cavities.. A New Gel That Rebuilds Tooth Enamel

SadaNews - A newly developed dental gel could contribute to rebuilding damaged tooth enamel, providing a new approach for cavity prevention and restoration of decayed teeth.

Scientists from the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham created this substance to mimic the biological processes that naturally form tooth enamel.

Their findings, published on Science Daily as reported by the journal Nature Communications, indicate that the gel can repair enamel weakened due to mineral loss or erosion, strengthen intact enamel, and help protect teeth from future damage.

Natural Tooth Enamel

Dentists can quickly apply the gel using a method similar to current fluoride treatment applications.

However, unlike traditional fluoride products, the new gel does not contain fluoride; it is made from proteins designed to mimic important functions of the natural proteins involved in the growth of tooth enamel during childhood.

Dentists can quickly apply the gel using a method similar to current fluoride treatment applications.

After applying the gel to the tooth, it forms a thin yet durable layer that penetrates the surface of the tooth and fills small cracks, pores, and other damaged areas, acting as a framework for rebuilding the mineral structure of the enamel.

Calcium and Phosphate Ions

The material draws calcium and phosphate ions from saliva and uses them to guide the controlled formation of new mineral crystals.

This process is known as orderly remineralization. Simply put, the new crystals grow along the existing tooth structure, allowing them to bond with the natural tissues beneath instead of forming a separate irregular layer.

According to the researchers, this orderly growth helps the restored surface regain both the microstructure and the physical properties of sound enamel.

A Possible Treatment

This material could also help individuals suffering from exposed dentin. Dentin is the softer layer beneath the enamel and can become exposed when enamel erodes or gums recede.

Since dentin contains microchannels leading to the tooth's nerves, its exposure can cause severe sensitivity to heat, cold, sweet tastes, and touch.

When the gel is applied to exposed dentin, it can form a mineral layer similar to enamel on its surface.

This, in turn, helps reduce tooth sensitivity and provides a stronger surface for dental fillings to adhere to.

50% of the World's Population

Enamel damage is one of the main factors behind tooth decay and other dental problems affecting nearly 50% of the world's population.

Acute dental diseases can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.

Poor oral health is also associated with other health issues, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Enamel is the hard outer layer that covers teeth and protects them from pressure, temperature changes, acids, and daily wear and tear.

Although it is the hardest tissue in the human body, enamel does not contain live cells and cannot repair itself once lost.

A More Effective Restorative Option

Current products, such as fluoride coatings and remineralization treatments, can help strengthen the remaining enamel layer or relieve symptoms, but cannot effectively replace the original enamel structure.

Nottingham researchers say their material may provide a more effective restorative option by stimulating the organized growth of minerals that mimic the natural tissue of teeth.

Simulating Life's Stresses

Researchers tested the restorative material under conditions meant to simulate the stresses teeth face in daily life.

These stresses included frequent brushing, chewing forces, and exposure to acidic foods, which can gradually dissolve enamel.

The results showed that the restored tissue has mechanical behavior similar to that of healthy natural tooth enamel, suggesting it could be durable enough for practical use in dentistry.