A new topical gel has been created by a research team, which appears to be capable of treating gum disease in a more effective way than current treatments. The gel is capable of blocking the receptor for something called Succinate – which is known to be associated with Gum Disease. This can suppress inflammation in the mouth. Such findings are exciting, and could in the future result in better treatment outcomes for gum disease.
Recent research has led to the creation of a new topical gel which looks like it can treat Gum Disease in an effective way. The gel can suppress inflammation in the mouth by targeting the receptor of a molecule called Succinate [1].
Given how many people suffer from gum disease, this is an exciting finding. Gum disease can be challenging to treat.
In the long-term, the aim is that the gel could be used at home by a person in an effort to prevent or treat gum disease [1].
Background
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, and affects a huge number of people around the world. Symptoms include inflammation, redness around the gums and pain.
Gum disease typically involves an imbalance of unhealthy and healthy bacteria within the mouth. In the worst cases, gum disease can result in bone destruction, chewing issues and loss of teeth.
Studies suggest that gum disease affects up to half of adults aged 30 and above [2]. This shows the sheer scale of the impact of gum disease. Therefore, finding an effective treatment would have a very positive impact.
The Succinate Connection
This research considered the impact of Succinate. Succinate is a molecule that is produced during metabolism. Past research has showed that those with high levels of succinate typically have higher levels of inflammation [3].
Moreover, high levels of succinate is also associated with speeding up the process of bone loss, which is something that is a consequence of advanced gum disease [3]. Succinate is naturally produced by the human body.
The Research
The research was done by New York University’s (NYU) College of Dentistry. Their findings were then published in the journal Cell Reports [1].
To begin with, the researchers wanted to confirm the link between succinate and gum disease. They examined dental plaque samples from humans and mice [1].
Then, the researchers used metabolomic analysis to determine the levels of succinate in those with gum disease, and those without [1]. As they had expected, those with gum disease had higher levels of succinate than those without [1].
While doing this analysis, the researchers noticed that the succinate receptor was active in the gums of both humans and mice. Therefore, the researchers hoped to look further into this. To do this, they genetically altered some mice in a way that their succinate receptor would be inactivated [1].
In the mice with an inactivated receptor, the researchers measured the levels of inflammation in the gum tissue and blood of mice with and without gum disease. As a result, they found that mice with an inactivated receptor had lower levels of inflammation in their gum tissue and blood [1].
The investigation into the succinate receptor uncovered other findings too. Mice with gum disease had a greater imbalance of bacteria than the mice with inactivated receptors did [1]. Moreover, they also showed less bone loss – which further cemented their conclusions over succinate [1].
To ensure their findings were accurate, the researchers administered extra levels of succinate to both sets of mice [1]. For the mice with regular receptors, their gum disease worsened. However, for the mice with an inactivated succinate receptor, their mouths were mainly protected against inflammation, increases in unhealthy bacteria and bone loss [1].
This clearly showed that when the succinate receptors were inactivated, that better oral health followed. Therefore, elevated levels of succinate and the activation of the succinate receptor are key factors in gum disease [1].
Based on this knowledge, the researchers developed a gel formulation that is aimed towards treating gum disease [1]. The gel is a small compound that is capable of targeting the succinate receptor – with the aim of stopping it from activating [1].
Subsequently, lab studies were carried out on human gum cells, which found that application of the gel resulted in reduced inflammation and other processes that are associated with gum disease [1].
Then, the gel was applied to the gums of mice with gum disease. A group of mice with gum disease were not given the gel. Over a 4 week period, it was found that inflammation was significantly reduced, while bone loss was cut in half in the mice that received the gel compared to those that didn’t [1].
Therefore, the findings clearly showed that this gel was able to successfully lower inflammation and bone loss – two key consequences of gum disease [1].
Implications for the future
The authors were delighted with the results. Author and Associate Research Scientist at NYU’s College of Dentistry. Yuqi Guo, commented on the findings. He said that “no current treatment for gum disease simultaneously reduces inflammation, limits disruption to the oral microbiome, and prevents bone loss. There is an urgent public health need for more targeted and effective treatments for this common disease” [4].
Now that the results are clear, the researchers are hoping to use the gel on other animal models, which will enable the researchers to have an idea on the appropriate dosage and timing for application of the gel [4]. Toxicity will also need to be checked [4].
The long-term goal of the team is to develop a gel and oral strip that regular people can use at home in an effort to treat gum disease [4]. Moreover, they are also aiming to develop a slow-release formulation that dentists could use to fill pockets in the gums of those with gum disease [4].
Given how many people suffer from gum disease, if this treatment did eventually get used, it would be highly popular. It could result in the oral health of many people around the world being improved.
Thinking points…
1) This article mentions gum disease, which is a condition that affects so many of us. It is important to look after our gums – they are a critical part of oral health. Therefore, if you think you may need attention to your gums, why not discuss your options with your dentist? Treatment options typically include root planing, scaling or a gum graft. We recommend seeing a dentist soon!
2) Preventing gum disease is possible. Like all other oral health conditions, strong oral hygiene can help in many cases. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, eating healthily, and attending dental appointments on a regular basis. At these appointments, a dentist will be able to take a look at your gums and your overall oral health, and judge whether or not treatment is needed. Consider booking an appointment right away!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.
We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.
It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.
The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.
We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Guo, Y., Xu, F., Thomas, S. C., Zhang, Y., Paul, B., Sakilam, S., Chae, S., Li, P., Almeter, C., Kamer, A. R., Arora, P., Graves, D. T., Saxena, D., & Li, X. (2022). Targeting the succinate receptor effectively inhibits periodontitis. Cell Reports. 40 (12): 111389. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111389.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Periodontal Disease. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html. Last accessed: 24th September 2022.
[3] Guo, Y., Xie, C., Li, X., Yang, J., Yu, T., Zhang, R., Zhang, T., Saxena, D., Snyder, M., Wu, Y., & Li, X. (2017). Succinate and its G-protein-coupled receptor stimulates osteoclastogenesis. Nature Communications. 8 (15621). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms15621.
[4] New York University. (2022). Gel treats gum disease by fighting inflammation. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-09-gel-gum-disease-inflammation.html. Last accessed: 24th September 2022.
