New gum makes tooth-brushing obsolete
Boffins have developed a new chewing gum which could make brushing our teeth a thing of the past.
Scientists from the University of Kentucky (UoK) believe that this new gum could not only make oral hygiene for millions of Americans but could improve the quality of life for US troops posted overseas and children from poor countries too.
The gum has been infused with an antimicrobial called KSL which help dissolves plaque and cleans teeth.
Since the First World War, US troops have struggled to maintain good oral hygiene on the battlefield, oftening suffer from extreme gingivitis which can leads to excruciating ulcers, bleeding gums and infections.
Fifteen percent of army medical calls are dental related and getting treatment for injured soldiers can often put others in harm’s way.
It is believed that this gum could make all the difference to troops.
Similarly it could protect youngsters in impoverished countries from contracting deadly infections orally.
Dr Abeer Al-Ghananeem, an assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UoK, said the children born with AIDS in Africa often experience painful dental issues and this gum could improve their lives.
The plaque-fighting chemicals in the gum are released slowly over a 20 to 30 minute period of chewing and Dr Al-Ghananeem hopes it will one day by available over the counter in pharmacies.
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