CRUSHED glass tooth fillings could fight off harmful bacteria and prevent tooth decay for good, scientists have said.
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| Scientists may have discovered the ultimate dental filling |
As well as prolong the life of dental fillings, the antibacterial glass might also prevent secondary tooth decay.
The average person uses their teeth for 600,000 “chews” every year and a typical dental filling only lasts six years.
This type of crushed glass interacts with the body, repels bacteria and helps fillings to last much longer.
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| The filling prevents tooth decay and would hold its function for longer than older versions |
The material has been used in some types of bone healing for decades, explain the researchers.
Dr Jamie Kruzic, a professor at the Oregon State University College of Engineering said: “This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings.
“The bacteria in the mouth that help cause cavities don’t seem to like this type of glass and are less likely to colonise on fillings that incorporate it.
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| The average person uses their teeth for 600,000 “chews” every year |
“This could have a significant impact on the future of dentistry.”
In almost all cases the researches say that current dental composites will fail and that new tooth decay will begin at the interior of the filling - leading to erosion and demineralisation.
The new bioactive glass filling is made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide and phosphorus oxide and works in harmony with the body's biology.
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| This type of crushed glass filling could be commonplace very soon |
The antimicrobial effect also means bacteria can’t penetrate as deeply and the release of ions allows acidity in the mouth to be neutralised.
Although further clinical research is required, the study’s authors believe this exciting discovery can be easily implemented in to current dentistry practice.
Dr Kruzic added: “My collaborators and I have already shown in previous studies that composites containing up to 15 per cent bioactive glass, by weight, can have mechanical properties comparable, or superior to commercial composites now being used.”
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