Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem that causes issues for many people. In an effort to combat this problem, a team of researchers have developed a new dental lozenge, which aims to provide a permanent fix for tooth sensitivity. Their research involves a peptide-based solution, which could have a very positive impact on oral health. This research has the potential to help many people around the world.
If you were to ask a group of people what the most annoying part of eating or drinking is, it is almost certain that at least one person would mention tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity involves a tooth, or teeth, to become sensitive – typically to cold or hot food or drink. This causes discomfort and is normally a sign of a dental problem.
However, new research has helped to develop a dental lozenge that has the potential to lessen or even eliminate tooth sensitivity [1]. This discovery could transform the approach towards treating tooth sensitivity entirely.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that involves a painful sensation when a person drinks or eats something hot or cold. It doesn’t necessarily need to be anything unhealthy – with even a cold glass of water being capable of triggering the pain.
This painful sensation develops overtime, with acids (caused by sugar and bacteria) wearing away at tooth enamel. Therefore, this causes a process of demineralization, which leaves the tooth’s hard exterior defenceless, exposing the roots and nerves.
Research shows that tooth sensitivity affects at least 12% of American adults [2]. The same research found that tooth sensitivity affects those aged 18 to 44 the most [2].
Tooth sensitivity: The problem
Dentist Sami Dogan is a Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Washington and served as one of the authors of the research [3].
When introducing the issue, Dogan has said that in 30 years of practice, problems like cavities and dental implants have become routine. However, the main problem his patients have is teeth sensitivity [3].
Dogan says “we see patients with hypersensitive teeth, but we can’t really help them” [3]. He has pointed out that most existing treatments focus on treating the symptoms, rather than “addressing the root cause” [3]. Therefore, existing treatments do not provide a solution, instead a temporary fix is provided at best.
The Research
Because of this problem, Dogan and a team of researchers sought to find a treatment that could address the root cause of tooth sensitivity. Their findings were published in the ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering Journal [1].
As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity is linked to the process of demineralization. With this in mind, the researchers sought to reverse this loss, with the belief that this could be a permanent fix for this issue. To do this, they designed their solution to be molecularly biomimetic – which made it resemble the molecular process which develops teeth [1].
The protein amelogenin is key in the natural development of human teeth [1]. The researchers used peptide, which is a derivative of emelogenin. Peptide is a short chain of amino acids [1].
The researchers tailored the peptide for it to latch onto calcium and phosphate ions, which are the main components of tooth mineral. Therefore, this combination can help to build new mineral microlayers on teeth.
Then, the researchers found that when new mineral microlayers were applied to the teeth, that this protected the tooth nerves. Therefore, this can result in tooth sensitivity either disappearing entirely or significantly lessening [1].
The research was able to produce a solution that built new mineral microlayers that are capable of penetrating deep into the tooth. Therefore, this helps to create an effective and long-lasting natural protection [1].
While having this solution is excellent, the next question concerns how it could be administered. The researchers suggested that the solution could be integrated into almost any type of product!
For example, this may include a dental lozenge – which would be their preferred approach. For upcoming trials, they aim to use lozenges at first [1].
Furthermore, the researchers also suggested that formulations like toothpaste, mouthwash, dental gels and even tooth whitening products could have the solution integrated within them [1].
What this means
These findings are very positive and exciting, especially given how many people suffer from tooth sensitivity. It is something that can put people off drinking or eating.
The researchers have high hopes for the future. They want to provide easily accessible relief for everyone worldwide that suffers from tooth sensitivity [1].
Lead author Deniz T. Yucesoy commented on the findings. Yucesoy said that the research created technology that “forms the same minerals found in the tooth, including enamel, cementum and dentin alike, which had dissolved previously through demineralization and caused sensitivity” [3].
Explaining how the sensitivity stops, Yucesoy said that “the newly formed mineral microlayers close the communication channels with the tooth nerves”, which means sensitivity “shouldn’t be an issue” due to the technology [3].
This research is certainly very promising and should have a very positive impact on the oral health of patients around the world. Hopefully the solution will fulfil its potential!
Thinking points…
1) As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity very common. Do you have sensitive teeth? If so, don’t suffer in silence, as help is available! Make sure that you mention your tooth sensitivity at your next dental appointment so that your dentist can take a look to see if there is a problem that can be fixed. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!
2) We’ve spoken above about how there is help available for sensitive teeth. However, we need to remember that the focus should always be on prevention! One of the most effective ways of avoiding sensitive teeth is cleaning your teeth regularly and flossing. Another crucial thing to do is to attend regular dental check-ups, as this provides a dentist with a chance to take a comprehensive look at your oral health and suggest treatments if needed. Remember to book an appointment soon!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are 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] Yucesoy, D. T., Fong, H., Hamann, J., Hall, E., Dogan, S., & Sarikaya, M. (2023). Biomimetic Dentin Repair: Amelogenin-Derived Peptide Guides Occlusion and Peritubular Mineralization of Human Teeth. ACS Biomaterials: Science & Engineering. 9 (3): p1486-1495. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01039.
[2] Cunha-Cruz, J., Wataha, J. C., Heaton, L. J., Rothen, M., Sobieraj, M., Scott, J., & Berg, J. (2013). The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in general dental practices in the northwest United States. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 144 (3): p288-296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14219%2Fjada.archive.2013.0116.
[3] Woods, A. (2023). Dental lozenge could provide permanent treatment for tooth sensitivity. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-dental-lozenge-permanent-treatment-tooth.html. Last accessed: 13th July 2023.
