HOLD FOR RELEASE UNTIL
June 15, 2000 at Noon (EDT)
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Fred Peterson
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Scientists Working on Fillings To Prevent Further Tooth Decay; Research Progresses on Chewing Gum, Mouthwash To Reverse Decay
NEW YORK -- "Smart" fillings that prevent further tooth decay, toothpaste that strengthens and restores tooth minerals, and chewing gums and mouthwashes that reverse and "heal" early decay are under development at the American Dental Association Health Foundation's Paffenbarger Research Center (PRC), Gaithersburg, Md.
"Scientists are working on these and other dental advancements at the PRC to improve oral health and the delivery of dental care, " said Frederick C. Eichmiller, D.D.S., and director of PRC, to attendees at the American Dental Association's National Media Conference, held here today.
He said work continues on calcium phosphate cements (CPC) for repair of cranial defects, fractures and periodontal (gum disease) bone loss. Recent studies have shown that CPC may be a good candidate for drug delivery systems to include "smart" filling materials to prevent decay from recurring around dental fillings and in adjacent teeth. Dr. Eichmiller also provided glimpses of other research.
Remineralizing toothpastes, chewing gums and mouth rinses that can reverse and "heal" early cavities:
Dr. Eichmiller said PRC scientists are working to develop other calcium phosphate-based technologies that can remineralize hard tooth tissues or, at a minimum, retard caries-producing demineralization. He added that studies have shown that an experimental chewing gum raises the level of enamel-forming minerals in plaque fluid, lowering the driving force for demineralization. Studies have demonstrated remineralization using mouth rinses.
Controlled-release fluoride systems that can provide therapeutic cavity-fighting efficacy:
He said that a laboratory study of a fluoride-releasing device that can be placed between teeth or in the pits and fissures of teeth has shown the ability to deliver a high concentration of fluoride to a very localized area. This technology, according to Dr. Eichmiller, could enable dentists to achieve prolonged fluoride exposure to help remineralize early cavities without the need for large quantities of fluoride or frequent reapplication.
Filling materials that can be used to repair exposures of the tooth pulp, eliminating the need for root canal therapy in many cases:
Researchers are continuing investigations into the in vitro properties of resin-reinforced, calcium-phosphate cements, according to Dr. Eichmiller.
He said that scientists are trying to develop adhesive cariostatic cements. One recognized need has been to formulate cements that develop pH levels high enough for tooth-pulp repair. High pH is required to coagulate the bleeding pulp. Strong materials having high pH also can be used as cavity liners with the potential of repairing the tooth.
For more information about the American Dental Association Health Foundation's Paffenbarger Research Center and the American Dental Association's (ADA) position on other oral health issues, visit the ADA Web site at http://www.ada.org.
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