According to the findings of a recent study conducted by the NYU College of Dentistry, treating gum disease involves inhibiting the production of the byproducts known as succinate. In addition to lowering inflammation, the gel alters the composition of the bacteria found in the mouth, making it a viable non-invasive therapy option for the condition.
Periodontal disease, is one of the most common inflammatory illnesses, affecting close to half of the persons aged 30 and older. Inflammation, an imbalance of healthy and hazardous bacteria in the mouth, and the breakdown of the bones and supporting tissues are the three hallmarks of this condition. If left untreated, gum disease can cause painful gums that bleed easily, make it difficult to chew food, and even result in the loss of teeth.
"No current treatment for gum disease simultaneously reduces inflammation, limits disruption to the oral microbiome, and prevents bone loss. There is an urgent public health need for more targeted and effective treatments for this common disease," said Yuqi Guo, an associate research scientist in the Department of Molecular Pathobiology at NYU Dentistry and the study's co-first author.
Previous studies have found a correlation between greater levels of the chemical succinate, which is synthesized during metabolism, and gum disease, with higher levels of inflammation being connected with higher levels of succinate.
Additionally, in the year 2017, Guo and her coworkers at NYU Dentistry revealed that increased levels of succinate activate the succinate receptor, which in turn stimulates bone loss. As a result of these discoveries, the succinate receptor has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammation and bone loss, as well as the potential prevention of gum disease.
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