An international team of researchers has developed a bio-inspired material that has the potential to regenerate demineralised or eroded enamel, strengthen healthy enamel, and prevent future decay.
The findings are published in Nature Communications.
The gel can be rapidly applied to teeth in the same way dentists currently apply standard fluoride treatments. However, this new protein-based gel is fluoride free and works by mimicking key features of the natural proteins that guide the growth of dental enamel in infancy.
When applied, the gel creates a thin and robust layer that impregnates teeth, filling holes and cracks in them. It then functions as a scaffold that takes calcium and phosphate ions from saliva and promotes the controlled growth of new mineral in a process called epitaxial mineralisation. This enables the new mineral to be organised and integrated into the underlying natural tissue while recovering both the structure and properties of natural healthy enamel.
The new material can also be applied on top of exposed dentin, growing an enamel-like layer on top of dentin, which has many benefits including treating hypersensitivity or enhancing the bonding of dental restorations.
“We have tested the mechanical properties of these regenerated tissues under conditions simulating ‘real-life situations’ such as tooth brushing, chewing, and exposure to acidic foods, and found that the regenerated enamel behaves just like healthy enamel,” study lead author Dr Abshar Hasan said.
“We are very excited because the technology has been designed with the clinician and patient in mind. It is safe, can be easily and rapidly applied, and it is scalable,” study lead Professor Alvaro Mata added.
“Also, the technology is versatile, which opens the opportunity to be translated into multiple types of products to help patients of all ages suffering from a variety of dental problems associated with loss of enamel and exposed dentin.”
