Finnish scientists from Aalto University and Helsinki University Hospital have invented a new way to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis and other dental diseases. It consists of rinsing the mouth and wearing a special mouth guard that kills the bacteria that are the root cause of these diseases.

Nearly every person in the world gets cavities in their teeth at some point in their lives, and about 70% of the world’s population experience varying degrees of gingivitis.

As you know, the main cause of such diseases are Streptococcus mutans bacteria and other bacteria that cause gingivitis. To destroy them, the device should able to apply a double exposure to light waves of the red and blue spectrum.

Left: An electron microscope image showing dead Streptococcus mutans bacteria with the new photosensitive mouthwash stuck to their surface. Right: The light activator. Photos: Koite Health.

First, the mouth must be rinsed with a special liquid for 30 seconds. The rinsing agent has the ability to attach to dental “plaques” formed by microbes. The composition of the “dental elixir” includes a substance with photosensitivity.

Next, a special mouth guard containing sources of red and blue light is put on the teeth. Red light activates the photosensitive component of the rinse aid, resulting in a chemical reaction that causes the death of bacteria. Blue light(bactericidal), additionally kills harmful microorganisms. Previously, light was used in dental practice to kill harmful microorganisms. But bacteria can protect themselves from blue light using a variety of sugars. However, they cannot protect themselves from the combination of a solution and the wavelength of double light, which affects the internal structures of bacteria.

Treatment only affects certain bacteria and the beneficial bacterial flora remains untouched. For greater effectiveness, The device must be worn daily for 10 minutes on the upper and lower teeth. As clinical studies have shown, this method ensures complete destruction of bacterial biofilm on the surface of the teeth, and reduces markers indicating early gingivitis and plaque formation.

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The device does not guarantee whiteness of the teeth and is not able to solve all problems in the oral cavity. Therefore, this method does not cancel brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as visits to the dentist.

The Finnish company Koite Health, just founded by scientists who developed this method, is engaged in the production of rinse and cap.The kits are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks.

Source:www.medicalxpress.com