Submission + - New Gel Regrows Tooth Enamel (sciencedaily.com) 1
fahrbot-bot writes: ScienceDaily is reporting that researchers have developed a fluoride-free gel that could help rebuild damaged tooth enamel, something the body cannot naturally replace once it is lost. Inspired by the proteins that guide enamel formation in infancy, the gel fills microscopic cracks, acting as as a framework, and draws calcium and phosphate from saliva to grow a new mineral layer that closely matches healthy enamel.
The material draws calcium and phosphate ions from saliva and uses them to guide the controlled formation of new mineral crystals. This process is known as epitaxial mineralization. In simple terms, the new crystals grow in alignment with the tooth's existing structure, allowing them to connect with the natural tissue beneath them rather than forming a separate, poorly organized coating.
According to the researchers, this organized growth helps the repaired surface recover both the microscopic architecture and the physical properties of healthy enamel.
In addition, when applied to exposed dentine, the gel can grow an enamel like mineral layer over the surface. This could help reduce tooth sensitivity while also creating a stronger surface for dental restorations to bond to.
The researchers tested the regenerated material under conditions intended to reproduce the stresses teeth experience in daily life. These included repeated brushing, chewing forces, and contact with acidic foods that can gradually dissolve enamel.
The results showed that the restored tissue displayed mechanical behavior similar to that of healthy natural enamel, suggesting it may be durable enough for practical dental use.
In lab tests on human teeth using human saliva, the process took about 24 hours for the initial crystallization, reaching 80% of the enamel's original strength in 2 weeks. Human trials have recently begun.
The study is published in Nature and also discussed on Instagram.
The material draws calcium and phosphate ions from saliva and uses them to guide the controlled formation of new mineral crystals. This process is known as epitaxial mineralization. In simple terms, the new crystals grow in alignment with the tooth's existing structure, allowing them to connect with the natural tissue beneath them rather than forming a separate, poorly organized coating.
According to the researchers, this organized growth helps the repaired surface recover both the microscopic architecture and the physical properties of healthy enamel.
In addition, when applied to exposed dentine, the gel can grow an enamel like mineral layer over the surface. This could help reduce tooth sensitivity while also creating a stronger surface for dental restorations to bond to.
The researchers tested the regenerated material under conditions intended to reproduce the stresses teeth experience in daily life. These included repeated brushing, chewing forces, and contact with acidic foods that can gradually dissolve enamel.
The results showed that the restored tissue displayed mechanical behavior similar to that of healthy natural enamel, suggesting it may be durable enough for practical dental use.
In lab tests on human teeth using human saliva, the process took about 24 hours for the initial crystallization, reaching 80% of the enamel's original strength in 2 weeks. Human trials have recently begun.
The study is published in Nature and also discussed on Instagram.
