British researchers coming up with innovative dental solutions
For many years, America has been leading the way in dental research and the Hollywood smile has become the ultimate symbol of US success; however, British dental researchers are working on a number of innovative new solutions to tackle age-old dental health problems.
Researchers at the Dental Institute at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry have recently patented a new glass-based toothpaste, which helps to protect the teeth. The toothpaste contains dissolvable particles of glass, which cling to the teeth and subsequently dissolve, releasing both calcium and fluoride to strengthen and protect the teeth; researchers also claim that it will help to reduce sensitivity to temperature. Dr Robert Hill says the product will be used in exactly the same way as other toothpastes; minerals will be released over a 24 hour period and the cost of the product will be around £3 a tube. Researchers hope that the product will be available to buy in around 18 months time.
Meanwhile, scientists are working on an anaesthetic spray, which can numb the top teeth for up to 90 minutes. The anaesthetic is inhaled and travels through the trigeminal nerve in the face. The product is only effective on the top teeth because the jaw bone is more porous than the lower jaw bone. The new anaesthetic should be available in two years time and will be welcome news for people with phobias of injections and needles.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered that certain forms of cheek cell work in the same way as stem cells; this means they have the potential to be converted into other types of cell and this could enable gum tissue to regenerate. The research could potentially change the way periodontal disease is treated. Trials will begin in the next three years.
Numerous research projects are underway at facilities and centres across the UK; new products and treatments are being developed all the time and the future looks bright for UK dentistry.
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