(September 16, 2016) Researchers at the University of Birmingham have shown how
the development of coated silica nanoparticles could be used in restorative
treatment of sensitive teeth and preventing the onset of tooth decay.
The study, published in the Journal of Dentistry, shows how
sub-micron silica particles can be prepared to deliver important compounds into
damaged teeth through tubules in the dentine.
The tiny particles can be bound to compounds ranging from
calcium tooth building materials to antimicrobials that prevent infection.
Professor Damien Walmsley, from the School of Dentistry at
the University of Birmingham, explained, “The dentine of our teeth have
numerous microscopic holes, which are the entrances to tubules that run through
to the nerve. When your outer enamel is breached, the exposure of these tubules
is really noticeable. If you drink something cold, you can feel the sensitivity
in your teeth because these tubules run directly through to the nerve and the
soft tissue of the tooth.”
“Our plan was to use target those same tubules with a
multifunctional agent that can help repair and restore the tooth, while
protecting it against further infection that could penetrate the pulp and cause
irreversible damage.”
The aim of restorative agents is to increase the mineral
content of both the enamel and dentine, with the particles acting like seeds
for further growth that would close the tubules.
Previous attempts have used compounds of calcium fluoride,
combinations of carbonate-hydroxypatite nanocrystals and bioactive glass, but
all have seen limited success as they are liable to aggregate on delivery to
the tubules. This prevents them from being able to enter the opening which is
only 1 to 4 microns in width.