A "biogenic" teeth treatment that heals. Would you try it?
Imagine going to the dentist for your regular cleaning. Your x-rays show several dark spots - cavities. You know that means a shot, a noisy drill and a lot of discomfort. But does it? If you were offered an alternative option, one that may sound strange but involves none of the above, would you take it?
Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) have designed a "convenient and natural product that uses proteins to rebuild tooth enamel and treat dental cavities."
New biogenic dental products like the one from UW can – in theory – rebuild teeth and cure cavities without today's costly and uncomfortable treatments.
The latest UW research finding was first published in ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering. The study's lead author basically says this type of product can change the face of dental health care.
"Remineralization guided by peptides is a healthy alternative to current dental health care..."
That is not unlike what our experts here think. In fact, this technology is already available in other countries based on the work of some Swiss chemists. The idea is that the proteins provide a scaffold that can then form the basis for “regenerating" enamel.
Biogenic products support DentaQuest's model of care by repairing caries lesions without the need for a drill, and may be as easy as putting a gel on your teeth. When these biogenic devices are applied at home using toothpaste – and maybe even gum (or candy!) – we’re bringing “cavity repair” into the hands of patients in their own homes. It’s an exciting prospect that people will have the ability to heal their teeth with novel technology like this.
So, would you?