The Leeds Dental Institute in the UK, one of the leading dental schools, is looking for new ways to improve dental treatment and remove the fear many patients feel.
"Our lab is looking for safe new ways to control dental plaque that don't rely on toothpaste," says Professor Jennifer Kirkham. "We see patients who can't brush well, perhaps because of a small mouth or a poor brush."
Tooth decay starts when bacteria in plaque produce acid, which dissolves the minerals of the tooth and causes cavities.
One new treatment uses light to control plaque (photodynamic therapy): the patient rinses with a mouthwash containing an antibacterial substance that is activated by bright light and breaks down the plaque.
The team has also developed a way to fill early cavities without a drill. A runny, protein-based liquid is painted on the tooth and seeps into the decay, where it sets into a gel that attracts calcium to rebuild the tooth mineral. The tooth is repaired comfortably and without pain, far from the drill.
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