Gum Disease is very difficult to treat, despite it affecting so many people around the world. However, new research suggests that a narrow-spectrum antibiotic called FP 100 could help to eradicate a type of oral bacteria that is linked to gum disease. This is an exciting development that could revolutionize the treatment of gum disease.
New research has looked into the possibility of a narrow-spectrum antibiotic successfully eradicating a type of oral bacteria that has been linked to Gum Disease [1].
Moreover, the antibiotic has the benefit of not harming the oral or gut microbiomes – which is a very positive element of this research too.
Gum disease is a condition that impacts huge amounts of people. Therefore, any findings that can assist in the treatment of this condition are welcomed.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease is an oral health condition. It involves the gums becoming swollen, inflamed, and painful. Mild gum disease is called Gingivitis, and severe gum disease is called Periodontitis.
Gum disease is incredibly common. For example, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that approximately 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women aged 30 years or above have some level of periodontitis [2].
Gum disease has the potential to develop to the point where the jawbone weakens to the extent where tooth loss can happen.
Current treatment involves slowing the progression of gum disease. However, such treatments are costly, and don’t actually stop the condition.
The type of bacteria involved in this research is called fusobacterium nucleatum. Past research has confirmed that fusobacterium nucleatum is a key pathogen in gum disease [3].
The Research
The research was carried out by a team of researchers from the Forsyth Institute. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology [1].
The research involved FP 100 – also known as Hygromycin A. This is a small molecule, narrow-spectrum antibiotic. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are a form of antibiotic that can only eradicate, or limit the damage of, a limited number of bacterial species [1].
To begin, the researchers explained what fusobacterium nucleatum does. They said that this bacteria enters human cells and easily spreads to other parts of the body, where they colonize [1].
The researchers wanted to see how FP 100 would deal with harmful bacteria in a bacterial community. To set this up, a mouse was induced with fusobacterium nucleatum. Moreover, the mouse had periodontitis [1].
Therefore, the mouse had both healthy and unhealthy bacteria – including the fusobacterium nucleatum – in its oral cavity.
Then, FP 100 was introduced to the bacterial community, where the researchers left it for 48 hours [1].
Over this period, the researchers waited to see how FP 100 interacted with the community. The community was analyzed at 24-hour intervals using 16S rRNA sequencing [1].
At the end of the first 24 hours, the levels of fusobacterium nucleatum had already reduced. Then, after 48 hours, the levels of harmful bacteria had significantly reduced [1].
This meant that FP 100 had managed to substantially reduce the levels of fusobacterium nucleatum over a 48-hour period [1].
Amazingly, the researchers noted that the healthy bacteria – which the mouth needs – was unaffected by FP 100. Instead, it was purely the harmful bacteria which was substantially reduced.
Overall, the findings are very positive. The antibiotic appears to be able to eradicate the harmful bacteria and prevent the progression of gum disease – both without harming us.
What will happen next?
The findings have enormous potential for the future treatment of gum disease. Arguably, FP 100 has the potential to transform treatment of gum disease.
The researchers were understandably delighted with the findings. For example, Alpdogan Kantarci – the lead author – said that “this type of black and white data almost never happens” [4].
Kantarci explained that with FP 100, “we can eliminate fusobacterium nucleatum from the oral cavity, reverse tissue destruction and prevent disease progression” – all without harming the microbiome [4].
Due to the narrow-spectrum qualities of FP 100, it means that it only targets the fusobacterium nucleatum. It doesn’t attack beneficial bacteria. This is a marked improvement on regular antibiotics – which attack both harmful and beneficial bacteria [1].
This antibiotic also has the potential to exceed treating gum disease. The researchers believe it could help to prevent several chronic diseases, including heart disease, some types of cancer and arthritis [1].
The Forsyth Institute and biotechnology company Flightpath Biosciences have filed a joint patent application for FP 100 [4]. They are aiming to create further clinical trials going forward.
FP 100 appears to have numerous positive points. Not only does it provide oral health benefits, but it can also extend to physical health benefits too.
Thinking points…
1) Gum disease was a key topic in the above research. Because gum disease typically develops over a long period of time, it is difficult for dentists to track its progression. Therefore, it is important to attend regular dental check-ups, as these offer a way for dentists to keep track of any development of gum disease. If they do notice signs of gum disease, they can provide practical advice. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) While gum disease cannot be cured, there are things that can be done to slow the progression of the condition. For example, these include root planing and scaling. If you have gum disease, you could ask your dentist about these options – as they could be helpful. Why not discuss them with your dentist at your next check-up?
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Yakar, N., Unlu, O., Cen, L., Hasturk, H., Chen, T., Shi, W., He, X., & Kantarci, A. (2024). Targeted elimination of Fusobacterium nucleatum alleviates periodontitis. Journal of Oral Microbiology. 16 (1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20002297.2024.2388900.
[2] Eke, P. I., Thornton-Evans, G. O., Wei, L., Borgnakke, W. S., Dye, B. A., & Genco, R. J. (2018). Periodontitis in US Adults. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 149 (7): p576-588. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.04.023.
[3] Liu, P-F., Haake, S. K., Gallo, R. L., & Huang, C-M. (2009). A novel vaccine targeting Fusobacterium nucleatum against abscesses and halitosis. Vaccine. 27 (10): p1580-1595. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.12.058.
[4] Forsyth Institute. (2024). First narrow-spectrum antibiotic successfully eliminates Fusobacterium nucleatum, a gum disease pathogen. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-09-narrow-spectrum-antibiotic-successfully-fusobacterium.html. Last accessed: 12th September 2024.
