Special Peptide Could Make Dental Drills Obsolete

We have received some inquiries lately about a breakthrough peptide scientists are studying in Europe that can actually train teeth to reverse decay and repair themselves.

As far-fetched as this sounds, this peptide is the real deal. And, doctors at Britain’s University of Leeds say it just may make the dentist drill obsolete.

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Here’s how it works.

We know that within 20-minutes of eating, bacteria in our mouths begin to mix with food particles and saliva. Together, they form plaque deposits on teeth.

At the same time, that bacteria converts sugars and starches in our food to acid. The acid eats away at our teeth, eventually creating cavities. When this happens we need a filling, a crown, or a root canal.

Also read: New Technology for Tooth Restoration

Now, here’s where the peptide comes into play.

Scientists say this special peptide, known as P11-4, can train teeth to rebuild healthy enamel while cavities are still in super small stages.

During testing, the scientists have applied P11-4 by incorporating it into a fluid that can be painted onto teeth. When the fluid comes into contact with saliva, it forms a gel which in turn forms a sort of scaffolding around the mini-cavities.

And here’s where it gets really interesting. Calcium – the major building block of tooth enamel – is attracted to P11-4. Calcium begins to build up on the scaffolding in the mini cavities and the tooth literally rebuilds itself.

The research team at Leeds has already tested P11-4 on humans. When they painted it on teeth showing early signs of decay, the “scaffolding” formed inside cavity-pores and the people’s teeth literally reversed the effects of decay.

Also read: Cavity-Tracking Technology

So when can dentists around the world start using this magic peptide?

Unfortunately, that remains to be seen. A Swiss company has already licensed the P11-4 process and plans to run larger trials. It’s unclear whether any of those

trials are running here in the United States.

Stay tuned…