Everyone likes to indulge once in a while. Especially when the holiday season rolls around, sweet treats are everywhere. Whether it’s Halloween candy or a slice of pecan pie, it’s far too easy to give into goodies that are loaded with sugar. All that munching can lead to tooth decay and its associated pain. But what if science could take that pain away? Your dentist in Hiram is here to discuss advances that could one day revolutionize dentistry and the way tooth decay is treated.
The Problem
Janet Moradian-Oldak, a professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, has spent decades looking into potential methods to regrow tooth enamel. One of the main problems confronting her research is that tooth enamel is a non-living tissue. This means that, unlike bone, it can’t regenerate on its own.
A Twofold Solution
Professor Moradian-Oldak and her team published a paper in 2015 that explained the function of an enzyme, known as MMP-20. This enzyme is exclusive to teeth. What does it do? The professor explained, “MMP-20 is released at a very early stage of enamel formation. MMP-20 chops up proteins during the crystallization of enamel. Together with other enzymes, it gets rid of ‘sludge’ so the enamel making cells in the body can add more mineral and make enamel, the hardest bioceramic in the human body.”
It is possible that MMP could work together with a special type of gel, called an amelogenin-chitosan hydrogel, to rebuild tooth enamel. In scientific research, the hydrogel demonstrated the ability to reverse early tooth decay. It did so by producing an enamel-like substance.
What Does the Future Hold?
You may have seen advertisements for products, such as mouth rinses or toothpastes, that claim they can help to regrow tooth enamel. However, while they do help to repair slight damage to your enamel, they aren’t a lasting solution. Professor Moradian-Oldak compared them to a tire patch. They work in the moment, but they only remain effective through continued use.
There are currently no FDA-approved products that can regrow tooth enamel. However, thanks to MMP-20 and hydrogel, it is possible that one day people will be able to use overnight teeth strips to restore their enamel. They could thereby reduce tooth sensitivity. Potentially, the gel could be even more effective than traditional crowns at addressing tooth decay and protecting teeth.
And in the Meantime…
According to the National Institute of Health, tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease. We can look forward to future solutions to this serious problem. In the meantime, however, your dentist in Hiram is ready to help you deal with the pain of tooth decay. Through cleanings, fillings, and other procedures, your dental care professional can make sure you don’t have to wait for years to obtain a healthy smile.
About the Author
Drs. Jack Bickford and Bobby Shirley are your team of dental care professionals at Distinctive Dentistry in Dallas, GA. They are happy to help patients’ teeth recover from holiday indulgences. If it’s time for a cleaning or you have questions about your oral health, contact Distinctive Dentistry at 770-445-6606.
