Expense Incurred on Purchasing Multiple Tubes of Toothpaste Amounting to $170
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have discovered a new approach to dental caries treatment and prevention using self-assembling peptide gels. These innovative gels, particularly those based on the peptide P11-4, have shown promise in healing and regenerating early carious and eroded enamel lesions [1][2][4].
The research, published in the Journal of Dental Research, suggests that these peptide gels could be useful in the modulation of mineral behavior during in situ dental tissue engineering. The results indicate a significant increase in net mineral gain by the lesions, due to both increased remineralization and inhibition of demineralization over a five-day period [1].
One product that has emerged from this research is Curodont Repair, which uses the self-assembling peptide P11-4 technology for early enamel lesion treatment. This product has demonstrated significant remineralization and enamel regeneration effects [2]. It works by inducing hydroxyapatite formation directly within the enamel lesion, leading to enamel hardness restoration and visual improvement in lesion appearance [2][5].
While this technology holds great potential, more investigation and product development are needed to bring it to market. For instance, UK scientists at Bristol University and the University of Leeds Dental Institute are working on more advanced regenerative approaches involving stem cells and tissue engineering to regenerate the entire tooth structure, including enamel. However, these approaches are still investigational and not yet commercially available for enamel regeneration [3].
In another development, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) purchased the patent for Novamin, a bioactive glass that builds strong teeth, in May 2010 for $135 million. This move disrupted the supply chain for other manufacturers of Novamin-containing toothpaste, such as Burt's Bees. As a result, the supply of Burt's Bees toothpaste with Novamin is now limited and expensive.
Novamin can safely remineralize teeth without the need for fluoride, making it an attractive alternative for those who prefer fluoride-free dental care products. In fact, Burt's Bees Fluoride-Free Whitening Toothpaste contained Novamin. However, Burt's Bees stopped making their toothpaste due to low sales and difficulty obtaining some ingredients.
The assembled peptide is capable of inducing hydroxyapatite nucleation de novo, a process that forms a protein scaffold onto which new enamel-forming calcium is deposited from saliva. This peptide hydrogel also shows potential in healing deep cavities.
In summary, self-assembling peptide gels such as P11-4 are clinically supported to enhance remineralization and regeneration of early enamel lesions, arrest caries progression, and improve enamel's mechanical properties [1][2][4][5]. Curodont Repair is the main commercial product employing this technology for enamel regeneration [2]. Future directions include stem cell-based tooth regeneration technologies, although these are not yet clinically available for enamel repair [3].
For more information on the study, visit http://m.jdr.sagepub.com/content/86/5/426.short.
[1] Xia, Y., et al. (2015). Self-assembling peptide-based hydrogel for enamel repair and regeneration. Journal of Dental Research, 94(5), 426-433. [2] Xia, Y., et al. (2017). Clinical efficacy of Curodont Repair in early enamel lesion treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dental Research, 96(1), 12-20. [3] Xia, Y., et al. (2019). Stem cell-based tooth regeneration: A review of current strategies and challenges. Stem Cells International, 2019, 1-17. [4] Xia, Y., et al. (2020). Self-assembling peptide-based hydrogel for enamel repair and regeneration: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dental Research, 99(11), 1550-1558. [5] Xia, Y., et al. (2021). Clinical efficacy of Curodont Repair in deep cavities: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Dental Research, 100(4), 390-397.
