Re:'Tooth repair drug' may replace fillings
by logfromblammo on Tuesday January 10, 2017 @02:10PM
(#13367894)
The active component of tooth-brushing is removal of mutans-type bacterial colonies from the teeth.
Cavities do not form without cariogenic bacteria, provided with a food supply of simple sugars. If you have such bacteria, there are several ways to inhibit cavity-formation, such as by chemically hardening bioapatite with fluoride ions, or by re-mineralizing tooth enamel.
Communities would be better served by mutans eradication efforts, even though they could cost far more than the $1/person-year that fluoridation costs.
If I had the cash and political backing, I would put mutans-specific bacteriophages and tricalcium phosphate in a municipal water supply. I'd then subsidize dental office visits for persons in the affected area, such that anyone desiring fluoride treatments can get them at no additional charge, and offer gratis chlorhexidine/xylitol mouth rinse after every visit.
Cavities do not form without cariogenic bacteria, provided with a food supply of simple sugars. If you have such bacteria, there are several ways to inhibit cavity-formation, such as by chemically hardening bioapatite with fluoride ions, or by re-mineralizing tooth enamel.
Communities would be better served by mutans eradication efforts, even though they could cost far more than the $1/person-year that fluoridation costs.
If I had the cash and political backing, I would put mutans-specific bacteriophages and tricalcium phosphate in a municipal water supply. I'd then subsidize dental office visits for persons in the affected area, such that anyone desiring fluoride treatments can get them at no additional charge, and offer gratis chlorhexidine/xylitol mouth rinse after every visit.
Kill the S. mutans; end cavities.