Sensitive teeth are bothering millions of people in the world. And while it seems like a small casual problem it can really impact one’s quality of life. Now scientists at the University of Queensland have found a way to manage tooth sensitivity by taking advantage of nanotechnology.
If biting ice cream sounds terrifying to you, someday nanotechnology may help you. Image credit: Alexas_Fotos via Pixabay, free licence
The problem of teeth sensitivity is not just that people cannot really enjoy something really cold or really hot. It’s that the pain is bothering these people every day and there is very little in terms of relief. In fact, there are no reliable long term solutions and the special toothpaste marketed for people with tooth sensitivity is not helpful for everyone.
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by exposed dentin. Normally, enamel, which, by the way, is one of the hardest tissues in a human body, protects teeth and covers dentin tubules. However, with time and use it becomes worn down and dentin becomes exposed. At that point drinking or eating something cold or hot can cause a sudden sharp flash of pain. And if you have tooth sensitivity, you know that the torture is real.
So how nanomaterials could help? Well, in a newly published preclinical study scientist studies a new nanomaterial, which appears to rapidly block the exposed dentin tubules and prevent the unpleasant pain. It is not a permanent treatment, but nanomaterials could deliver a quick and lasting solution. Scientists say that this approach actually starts working faster and lasts longer than current treatment options.
Of course, these results were just from preclinical trials – clinical trials will follow. It is estimated that up to 74 % of the population is suffering from tooth sensitivity. Nanomaterials could be integrated into toothpaste, which would make their use very simple and casual. This solution wouldn’t even be that expensive and would not require frequent visits to the doctor. Of course, for it to even become available clinical trials would have to be successful.
Dr Chun Xu, one of the scientists in the project, was optimistic about the results: “If clinical trials are successful people will benefit from this new method that can be used at home, without the need to go to a dentist in the near future. We hope this study encourages more research using nanotechnology to address dental problems.”
Sensitive teeth seem like one of those problems you can live with – it is that common. However, in some cases the impact on the quality of life is severe and impossible to ignore. A lot of people opt for a long and expensive treatment. A simple paste with nanomaterials would be a quick and easy solution – you would simply massage your teeth with that paste for three minutes and could continue with your day.
Source: University of Queensland
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